Professor Dora Akunyili: 1954-2014

Dora Akunyili

Dora Nkem Akunyili, was the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control of Nigeria and Nigerian Minister of Information and Communications from 2008 to 2010.“The clear awareness of having been born into a losing struggle need not lead one into despair. We do not especially like the idea that one day we shall be tapped on the shoulder and informed, not that the party is over but that it is most assuredly going on—only henceforth in our absence. Dora partied and fought a good fight to the end. Her fight in the defense of social justice in Nigeria and for Nigerians will carry on".

Her last message to Nigerians....... (at the National Conference)

"..............Mr. President's speech oozes humility, modesty, patriotism and a deep concern for the present and future of this beautiful country, Nigeria. Mr. President in that speech admitted that sovereignty belongs to the people. And those in authority are only holding power on trust for the people and of course that nobody has monopoly of knowledge. Hence, the decision for convening this conference. One thing that stands out from Mr. President's speech is that there is no trace of negativism.

For instance, he made it clear that Nigeria's unity is not negotiable and our duty at this conference is to discuss ways to build a stronger and better Nigeria and I totally agree with him.

I am convinced that Nigeria should remain as one nation after 100 years despite her challenges because our common values overwhelm our differences.

Apart from our long history of togetherness, we've also enjoyed many decades of inter-marriages and mutual co-existence. We have to make sure that this conference delivers on the true spirit of Mr. President's speech.

While we discuss the value of unity as written in his speech, we must realize that millions of Nigerians are being discriminated against in various parts of this country where they are born; where their forefathers lived; based on the so-called state of origin.

The founding fathers of Nigeria had a dream of building a united, prosperous, and developed nation state where social justice reigns. We also have to continue to dream because once we stopped dreaming then life is gone.

In conclusion, I am convinced that Nigeria will work and fulfill its destiny............
.........."A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in."

MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE: THE AMAZON OF OUR TIME !!!