Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has described the late former Information Minister, Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili as an amazon.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on media, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun, who expressed shock and disbelief at the news of the demise of the one time director general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), at the age of 59 years, said she deserves special mention among nation builders in Nigeria.
The governor said the death of the foremost Professor of Pharmacy, when her wealth of experience was mostly needed, especially at the on going National Conference, where she was a delegate, is lamentable.
Amosun recalled her achievements at NAFDAC and said she waged a successful war against counterfeit and fake drugs, thus becoming a terror to fake drugs cartels.
“Also, as minister of Information during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, she did her best in promoting and projecting Nigeria when she initiated the Rebrand Nigeria Project. I remember the slogan ‘Nigeria: Good People, Great Nation’.
“Knowing her, she would have done her best, yet again to chart the way forward for Nigeria at the National Conference. She has certainly left her footprints on the sands of time,” the governor said.
Amosun commiserated with the family of the deceased, the nation in general and Anambra State in particular, where the late professor hailed from.
He prayed to the almighty God to grant her soul eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Also, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commiserated with the family of Akunyili.
In a statement signed by CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, CAN expressed shock and sadness on the death of the former minister and Director General of NAFDAC.
Oritsejafor described the death of Prof Akunyili as a great loss not only to her family but to the entire nation and humanity at large, given her track record in public service.
“On behalf of the entire Christian community in Nigeria, I condole with the Akunyili family over the demise of one of Nigeria’s finest public officers.
“It is with shock that I receive the news of the demise of Prof Dora Akunyili; a woman who stood for the peace and unity of Nigeria at all times and fought for the interest of the less privileged in the society.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria mourns with the family of the deceased, her friends and relations and the entire people of Nigeria,’’ Oritsejafor was quoted as saying.
He said that the late Akunyili would be most remembered for her stand against the sale and distribution of fake drugs and unwholesome products in the country.
According to Oritsejafor, the family and friends of the deceased should take solace in the fact that she lived a good life that is worthy of emulation.
