Akunyili: Loss Of A Rare Gem

Late Prof. Dora Akuyili

The UN Special
Rappoteur on Trafficking on Women and Children, Dr Joy Ezeilo, has said that the womenfolk has lost an “extraordinary trail blazer and inspiring woman of courage.” If you are acquainted with the life and activities of Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili, you will join her to say that Nigeria would definitely Miss her vibrancy, courage and leadership.
For a woman who spent her life serving humanity, news about the death of Prof. Dora Akunyili was such that did not go down well with many Nigerians as some suspected it to be a mistake of the press, expecting a corrigendum afterall. But it is real, the “Amazon” is indeed gone!
An epitome of rare values of integrity, diligence, dedication, courage and altruism in the various capacities that she served the nation, this “quintessential” personality, as described by the Enugu State president of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Dr Rita Ngwu, will be greatly missed by women she had inspired to greater height.
Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili is one name that has gained recognition in virtually every home in Nigeria. The reason was simply because she was at every point in time an exemplary leader. An internationally renowed pharmacist, pharmacologist, erudite scholar, seasoned administrator, her appearance in the drug and food industry popularised her.
Amidst numerous positions of authority occupied by Prof. Akunyili in her life time, serving as the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control  (NAFDAC) 2001-2008, was one opportunity that highlighted her potentials as she recorded outstanding success.
Prior to her appointment, food and drug regulation in Nigeria was chaotic. All manner of adulterated, fake and substandard foods and drugs were dumped into Nigeria. Unscrupulous individuals made fortunes from such unwholesome practices. However, her altruistic disposition brought in a culture of excellence and honesty to NAFDAC and the entire Nigerian public service.
The level of fake and counterfeit drugs in circulation dropped drastically to an insignificant percentage with remarkable improvement in food and other regulated sectors. This was possible in view of her firm posture against counterfeit drugs which did not only devalue the image of Nigeria, but wreaked havoc on the health of the citizenry. She did not only change NAFDAC, she also changed the pharmaceutical industry in the country.
Prof Dora Akunyili was one woman who not only knew the truth, she stood for the truth and defended the truth no matter whose ox is gored so long as it served the interest and the good of the populace. Dora actually saved many lives as Director-General of NAFDAC. The role she played during the “exaggerated bird flu” era will forever remain indelible in the minds of all poultry farmers in Nigeria.
She did not only safe- guard the major source of protein to humanity (poultry), she also returned foods to the tables of poor poultry farmers who had almost lost their source of livelihood to the purported “bird flu” scam.
This same woman during her days as a minister of information, dared the “devil” and broke the jinx that kept Nigerians in dilemma as to the health condition of the then president of Nigeria, (Late President Umar Yar’Adua).
While the information released to the press had remained that the Late president was in good form and would soon be back to continue the business of governance; a ploy that was aimed at retaining power and denying President Goodluck Jonathan the chance to ascend the presidential seat, she braced up and declared that the people cannot be fooled for too long, she rather told the nation the true position of the late president, advising that the right thing, which was to let president Goodluck Jonathan, who was then his second in command constitutionally take over the mantle of leadership, be done.
Her passion for Nigeria was outstanding. This she demonstrated as she tried to change the unfair and bad rating Nigeria gets at the world stage. For Dora,  Nigerians deserve tremendous respect and regard from other countries. She was quite optimistic and confident that Nigeria’s image could actually be changed if Nigerians must be willing to do the right thing at the right time and for the right reasons. This made her embark on a project to rebrand Nigeria.
It is surprising to note that even in bad health; her passion for the wellbeing of the people of Nigeria could still drive her to participate in serious national matters. Her appearance as a delegate at the ongoing National Conference in Abuja, underscored her undying love for the nation by defying her pains.
Even in death, Dora remains a force to reckon with. Her rare and sterling qualities as displayed both in her private and public activities are handy in grooming future leaders.
Although Prof Dora Nkem Akunyili may have gone, but she cannot be forgotten. Her remarkable performances at NAFDAC bear eloquent testimony of the very stuff she was made of.

Sylvia ThankGod Amadi