It is with shock that the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Information received the news of the passing on of the erstwhile Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili.
The death of Prof. Akunyili ıs a huge loss to the family, the entire womenfolk, and the country in general.
She was a patriot, who devoted her career to the struggle to enhance the quality of life of the citizenry. Prof. Akunyili displayed uncommon passion and zest for service to the nation. She was a social crusader whose faith in Nigeria was unwavering.
As the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Dora Akunyili redefined the mandate of the agency and took the campaign against fake and unwholesome food and drugs in the country to a level where her tremendous efforts saved the lives of thousands of Nigerians.
She prosecuted her campaıgn agaınst fake drugs with a single-mındedness that brushed aside frequent threats to her life, ıncludıng an assassınatıon attempt, by the powerful ınterests who felt ımperılled by her quest to clean up the food and drug business.
Prof. Akunyılı was a colossus who left her footprint across a broad spectrum of Nigeria’s public life. Her numerous awards, both at home and abroad, bore testımony to a world that recognısed and apprecıated her ımmense contrıbutıons.
Even before I worked with her as the Minister of State for Information and Communıcatıons, Prof. Akunyili already attained a status of no mean repute as an outstanding public servant.
She would be remembered for initiating the Rebranding Campaign in the Federal Ministry of Information, which aimed at repackaging Nigeria and improving the image of the country among the comity of nations.
Prof. Akunyılı left a legacy of service to God and humanity and her memory will remain evergreen in the minds of Nigerians, because of her commitment and untiring efforts to add value to the life of the people.
On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Information, I extend our deepest condolence to the Akunyili family and Nigerians over the unfortunate passing of Prof. Dora Akunyılı.
I pray God to grant the family, friends, and Nigerians the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and grant the deceased Eternal rest.
Labaran Maku
Hon. Minister of Information.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate