President Jonathan, First Lady Mourns Akunyili

President Goodluck Jonathan has described the
former Minister of Information, and erstwhile
Director-General, National Agency for Food and
Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC),
Professor (Mrs.) Dora Nkem Akunyili, as a
distinguished citizen and patriot.
This is even as the First Lady, Dame Patience
Jonathan, described the late Minister as a
"Titan" who left an indelible mark with the
passion and conviction with which she served
the nation. She described the late Akunyili’s
departure as, “A great loss to the nation and the
womenfolk.”
Akunyili was reported to have passed on, on
Saturday at an Indian hospital where she has
been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed
ailment.
President Media Aide Dr Reuben Abati in Press
statement said the President received with
shock and sadness, news of her sudden and
untimely demise.
"The President believes that Professor 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.
"President Jonathan considers her 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.
"The President states that it is sad that 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.
"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 prays that the Almighty in His infinite
mercies will grant them the fortitude to bear the
irreparable loss of this truly distinguished
citizen and patriot" the statement reads.
Meanwhile the first lady also condoling the
Akunyilis said “Words cannot adequately
express the shock and deep sadness I feel on
receiving this news.”
Dame Jonathan observed that the late Akunyili
demonstrated that if given the opportunity,
women can make a difference as evident from
her glowing career as an internationally
renowned pharmacist, respected academic and
distinguished administrator.
She called late Professor Akunyili, “A bright and
shining star,” saying that, “While we mourn her
loss, we offer thanksgiving to God for her
sojourn on this mortal earth and for her service
to the nation and humanity.”
The First Lady prayed for the Almighty in his
infinite mercy, to grant her gentle soul, peaceful
repose in the bosom of her creator and also
prayed for God to console the immediate and
extended family members.