The Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development, under the leadership of Commissioner Patrick Agha Mba, has called on National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to prioritize healthy living as a foundational step toward building a stronger and more productive society.

Speaking during a health sensitization program organized in collaboration with the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Umuawulu, Commissioner Agha Mba emphasized that the youth demographic represents the most vital strength of any state. According to him, “Building healthy youths means building the nation.”

Addressing the 2025 Batch A, Stream 2 corps members currently undergoing the three-week orientation, he praised the initiative spearheaded by the wife of the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo. He described her vision as a transformative campaign focused on inculcating healthy habits—from personal hygiene and nutrition to physical fitness—across every part of the state, particularly among the youth population.

Commissioner Agha Mba expressed deep appreciation to Dr. Soludo for her unwavering commitment to spreading the message of healthy living to all nooks and crannies of Anambra State. He further encouraged corps members to take the knowledge gained seriously and to serve as ambassadors of the initiative in their various communities.

Highlighting the practical importance of health education, he urged the corps members to learn and disseminate the life-saving skill of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), noting its potential to save lives in emergency situations.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, reiterated the importance of CPR knowledge. He underscored that such a skill can make the critical difference in saving a life on the brink, a point which was reinforced by a live demonstration conducted by officials of the Nigerian Red Cross.

Representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also took the stage to address the dangers of drug abuse. They warned that substance abuse can lead to a range of tragic outcomes including sexual violence, reputational damage, and even criminal acts such as assassination. Their message was direct: “You are what you eat. Say No to Drug Abuse.”

In her remarks, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Nonye Soludo for her generous support and dedication to youth welfare. She also thanked the commissioners and all stakeholders who made the event a success.

The event concluded with a showcase of products and creative works by corps members, produced through the Skills and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SEDC), reflecting the NYSC’s broader focus on youth empowerment through skill acquisition.