Former Minister of Information, Dora Akunyili
Mrs. Akunyili, a professor of pharmacy, died in an Indian hospital on Saturday while undergoing treatment for cancer.
The FEC members, eulogised late Mrs. Akunyili and condoled with the president, the family of the deceased, and Nigerian women for her death.
The valedictory session was open to journalists as some members of the council took turns eulogising the late boss of the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
In his tribute to the late minister, President Goodluck Jonathan said the first impression he had of Mrs. Akunyili was the way she dressed as a typical Nigerian.
“I first met her when I was deputy governor in Bayelsa; a very upright woman. When she was Information Minister, (she was) a very courageous person; a role model per excellence. I believe so many young ladies would emulate. Her impact in NAFDAC was much more in NAFDA than Information. But her passion was unique; a virtuous woman.
“This is how God wants it. God saved her life from the deadly bullets of evil men. He could still have saved her life from cancer if He had so willed,” the president said in his eulogy.
Vice President Namadi Sambo in his tribute said Mrs. Akunyili’s death is a great loss to the country as “she was a patriotic and dedicated Nigerian. NAFDAC is a sanitised institution, because of her”.
He added that she developed a system through which the country would be re-branded.
Some ministers took turns to eulogise the deceased.
The Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in her tribute said “it is a sad time for us as we remember her. A woman of strength and conviction who fought hard to ensure drug counterfeiting becomes a thing of the past.
“NAFDAC was consistently voted as the best agency of government during her time. A committed mother and devoted wife; an excellent Nigerian woman whom many looked up to,” she said.
The minister of Solid Mineral Development, Musa Sada, in his tribute said, “Her demise is a great loss. (She was) a patriot from whom one always wants to learn. Even at the expense of her life, she didn’t look back at what she believed in. She lived for Nigerians. She was an extremely intelligent person”.
The Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo, said, “I met her before I became VC UNN and she became a Professor during my VCship.”
“She was a woman of courage. She was courageous enough to speak up at a trying moment of our national history. A religious and prayerful woman; the cold hands of death has taken away a woman very hopeful in all situations; very conversational. As a country we have lost a gem and we pray that God give us such a woman of honour and respect,” he said.
The Labour Minister, Emeka Nwogu, said ” her death came as a rude shock. (She was) courageous, fearless and honest. As DG of NAFDAC, an attempt was made at her life but she remained undeterred. She resigned from FEC to contest senatorial election. Her departure at the FEC was evergreen and wished the PDP victory in 2011 elections. Her last appearance at Confab would remain indelible. Her impact would not be forgotten in a hurry”.
The Minister of State Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, said “a woman blessed with uncommon courage; a great woman and above all, a woman of history. I couldn’t recognise her at the confab. I was almost in tears when I got to recognise her there.”
The Works Minister, Mike Onolememen, said Mrs. Akunyili was always alive to her responsibilities, while the Health Minister, Onyebuchi Chukwu, said “she served Nigeria well, honestly, (with) fearlessness. Drug counterfeiting reduced from 60 per cent as at the time of her appointment to 16 per cent. (She was) one of the most iconic figures in the 100 years history of this country”.
The Head of Service noted that the NAFDAC delivered first-class service based on her exemplary character and leadership and was now rated one of the best worldwide.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim, described her as a reformer and true nationalist.
The Minister of Agriculture, Akinwunmi Adesina, described her as a “quintessential woman of virtue and a detribalised Nigeria. She stood to defend the constitution of the country during the health challenge moment of Yar’Adua”.
The Minister of interior, Abba Moro, said her death “is a dark moment in the life of this country. She demonstrated competence and patriotism. She represented hope for an average Nigeria in re-branding Nigeria”.
The Information Minister, Labaran Maku, described her as an outstanding public servant.
“She put her life on the line. She took the war to Anambra to battle producers and importers of fake drugs because she wanted the best for her nation. She took me as a junior brother and we worked together. She showed me great work. She permitted me to jointly address the press after FEC. The rebrand Nigeria project, we have never stopped the project. The jingle of Good People, Great Nation continues.
“It is not getting appointment that matters but making an impact with it. She was outstanding in making things happen. A warm and friendly person, exceedingly beautiful woman, disciplined. She served Nigeria until death. Nigeria has lost one of the African brilliant women. She was very cosmopolitan,” he said.
Mr. Maku then moved a motion for special and deep condolences to Mr President, the Women of Nigeria and the Nigerian fashion industry who through her promoted a national dress code; and to Nigerians for the loss of a mother in public service; and to the Igbo nation and to her family.
The motion was seconded by the Minister of Environment, Sarah Ochepe.
The Council then observed a minute silence in her honour and closed for the day.
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