AWKA/Nigeria: Dr. Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, has initiated an organic garden competition in secondary schools within the state. The competition aims to foster a deeper understanding of food production and farming among children.
Addressing Healthy Living teacher ambassadors in Awka, Soludo emphasized the importance of teaching children about food and farming practices. She highlighted organic farming as a method that eschews chemical fertilizers, focusing instead on natural food sources and nutrients.
The competition, part of the “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo” campaign, seeks to promote health consciousness and organic agriculture, emphasizing food safety and sustainable living.
According to Soludo, the initiative will help students appreciate the origins of their food, the benefits of fresh and healthy eating, and the importance of environmental stewardship. Participating schools will receive vegetable seeds, and the top three schools with the best gardens at the end of each term will be rewarded.
Dr. Afam Obidike, the state’s Commissioner for Health, noted that the competition would enhance students’ understanding of the nutritional value of foods. Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, Chairperson of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission, announced that schools would offer Healthy Living lectures every Wednesday after break to further educate students on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The event included the distribution of okra, carrot, pepper, tomato, watermelon, and cucumber seeds to school teachers to kickstart their school gardens. This initiative is expected to instill in children a lifelong appreciation for agriculture and healthy living practices.
