Obituary: Dora Akunyili (1954-2014)

Dora Nkem Akunyili; Pharmacist, Public Administrator, Educator and Politician passed away in India on the 7th of June 2014, weeks away from her 60th birthday.

An indigene of Anambra and a Senatorial aspirant in 2011, Akunyili gained a reputation as one of the shining lights of the political class for the manner in which she fought against illicit drugs during her time as Director General of NAFDAC. She was also the first public official to express dissent on public record during the dark days of President Yar’Adua’s tenure when there was uncertainty about the conditions of the President. This coincided with her spell as Minister of Information. Akunyili was also behind the unsuccessful move to rebrand Nigeria using the “Good people, great nation” slogan.

Amongst the honours she earned in her lifetime include( Silverbird’s Person of the Year in 2005, Time’s 2006 ’18 Heroes of our Time’ and a 2003 Integrity Award from Transparency International).

A picture of her at the National Conference looking frail had gone viral and there had been what would prove to be false alarms that she had passed away .

A Catholic, Professor Akunyili was married to Dr J.C Akunyili and is survived by six kids.

May her soul rest in peace.