Akunyili, an uncommon Nigerian- TUC

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria Monday said it received with shock and sadness, the news of the sudden and untimely demise of Professor Dora Akunyili, a former Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and one-time Minister of Information and Communications, after a two-year battle with cancer.
A statement issued by Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, TUC President and Comrade Musa Lawal, Secretary, described Dora’s death as one too many for all genuine progressive and patriotic Nigerians.
The statement reads further, “She was a trail-blazer and a good example of a true Nigerian who, despite her ill health, was ready to offer her fountain of knowledge at the ongoing National Conference. She believed in the Nigerian project and continued to champion this belief even till death.
“History will be unfair if it fails to remember this incorruptible, diligent, professional, public-spirited, forthright public officer and woman of great convictions.
“Brave Akunyili will live long in the memories of those of us who hold her dearly, especially the organised labour, civil society and the poor masses of the country. The Congress considers the deceased’s contributions to nation-building during her tenures as the DG of NAFDAC and as minister very invaluable.
“It is bad enough that she died but worse that she died at a time we are at the point of making a breakthrough into the Nigeria of her dreams. We have come a long enough way with her as to know the society she desired, and were therefore very glad when the National Conference was called with the amazon as a delegate. Indeed we feel terrible that her death has come at a time when she was making further effort to help sustain and strengthen the unity and stability of the nation. Without any doubt, she will be greatly missed.
“To try to list the achievements of this great Nigerian and her national and international awards is a tall task. The late pharmacist was a woman of substance, unequalled character and courage who brought respect and glory to the nation. We therefore urge all public officers to emulate Professor Akunyili who was celebrated in life and, now, even in death”.