Professor Dora Akunyili passes away in Indian hospital after long battle with cancer

FORMER communications minister Professor Dora Akunyili has finally given up the ghost passing away yesterday in an Indian hospital after a long and protracted battle with cancer.

 

Over recent months, Professor Akunyili has battled with ill-health and was flown to the US for treatment earlier this year. She returned to participate in the ongoing National Conference, to which she was a delegate but on May 10, during the summit had to be flown out to India for treatment where she finally gave up the ghost.

 

Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, visited Professor Akunyili in India and upon his return said she was responding well to treatment. However, last night, Governor Obi issued a statement confirming that the former minister and chairman of Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (Nafdaq), is no more.

 

Governor Obi said: "On behalf of the Akunyili family, I wish to officially confirm the death of Professor (Mrs) Dora Nkem Akunyili, OFR, in a Specialist Cancer Hospital in India this morning at 10 am, Nigerian Time, after a two-year battle with cancer. In spite her illness, Professor Akunyili was unwavering in her belief in a better Nigeria, which was why she defied her condition and was part of Anambra State Handover Committee and the National Conference.

 

"The last time I visited her in India, even when she needed all the prayers herself, she was full of concern for the abducted Chibok girls, security and other challenges facing the country and told me that she remained prayerful for the release of those girls and for God to help President Goodluck Jonathan to overcome all the challenges facing the nation. She therefore urged all Nigerians to remain prayerful and committed to building a better society for our children. "

 

Professor Akunyili, who began the fight against counterfeit drugs in Nigeria when she was the Nafdaq chairman unsuccessfully ran for senate in 2011 on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (Apga). Many pharmaceutical traders who has made millions from the trade in fake drugs had openly campaigned against her and funded the campaigns of her opponent.

 

In December 2010, Professor Akunyili left her job as a minister and quit the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) to join Apga because her husband could no longer accept the violent nature of the party in Anambra State. According to Professor Akunyili, after attending a local party meeting together and witnessing the violence, her husband gave a choice between their marriage and the PDP.

 

Courtesy  Nigerian News Watch....