President Goodluck Jonathan has described the death of Professor Dora Akunyili, former minister of information and communications, as sudden and untimely while expressing shock and sadness at the news.
According to a statement released by Dr. Ruben Abati, the president’s spokesman on Staurday, Jonathan expressed believes that Akunyili will live long in the memories of those who were privileged to know her as a diligent professional, a public-spirited and forthright public officer, and as a person of great convictions.
Jonathan said he considers Akunyili’s contributions to nation-building while she served as the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and as Minister of Information and Communications, particularly invaluable.
“Her death has come at a time she was making further efforts to help sustain and strengthen the unity and stability of the country in her capacity as a member of the on-going National Conference. Without any doubt, she will be greatly missed,” Jonathan said.
“President Jonathan commiserates with the Akunyili family, the government and people of Anambra State, members of the National Conference and all her loved ones.”
He prayed that the Almighty in his infinite mercies should grant her family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of this truly distinguished citizen and patriot.
In the same vein, Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, described the death of former Information and Communication Minister, Professor (Mrs.) Dora Akunyili as shocking, painful and saddening, lamenting that Nigeria has lost another precious gem.
According to a statement signed by Imoke’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita on Saturday, the governor described Akunyili as a dogged, fearless and upright woman who would be sorely missed by all Nigerians.
“I received with a heavy heart, the news of the death of our dear Dora Akunyili, who was one of the few Amazons of our time,” Imoke said.
“As a patriot, Dora did not only put national interest above other personal and narrow considerations, she also put her life on the line to sanitise the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).”
Imoke noted that the deceased exemplified uprightness and honesty of purpose as a member of the Federal Executive Council when it was highly unthinkable to do so.
“Her demise is not only a great loss to her state, Anambra, but to the entire nation as her wealth of experience and service will be sorely missed, especially at this time. But we are consoled by the fact that she lived a worthy life.”
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also commiserated with Akunyili’s family.
In a statement signed by CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Akunyili’s death was described as a great loss, not only to her family but to the entire nation and humanity at large, pointing to her track record in public service as reference.
“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,” Oritsejafor said. “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.”
Oritsejafor said Akunyili would be most remembered for her stand against the sale and distribution of fake drugs and unwholesome products in the country.
He encouraged the family and friends of the deceased to take solace in the fact that she lived a good life that is worthy of emulation.
