Former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and former Minister of Information, Professor Dora Akunyili has died at the age of 59.
In a statement sent on behalf of her family by former Anambra state Governor, Peter Obi, it says that Dr. Akunyili died in a Specialist Cancer Hospital in India on Saturday morning, after a two-year battle with cancer.
In spite of her illness, she was unwavering in her belief in a better Nigeria, that was why she defied her condition and was part of Anambra State Handover Committee and a delegate at the National Conference.
“Dr. Akinyili was full of concern for Chibok girls, security and other challenges facing the country, 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”.
Dr. Akinyili was born on July 14, 1954 in Makurdi, Benue state; she was a renowned Pharmacist and administrator.
She once ran for the Senatorial chair for Anambra Central on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2011 but lost.
Until her death, she was a delegate at the ongoing National Conference.