NKEM and She Was Really Ours- An Icon Goes Home.
Posted by Ijeoma Uba | 10 years ago | 3,101 times
It was a gathering of people from all walks of life last weekend as the remains of a Stallion, Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili was laid to rest in her Agulu, Anaocha Local Government of Anambra State. Having stayed about six weeks in the morgue since the June 7th, it was time for her interment.
The saying "only remembered by what we have done" came to bare as encomiums were poured on our late Nkem who came, saw and conquered through her laudable achievements while holding different public offices. Somebody said if tears and prayers were all required, Dora would have been here with us today. Another thought aloud "I wish she can see what's happening at her death, the show of love and gratitude".
That she was a Minister of Information or the Director General of NAFDAC is not the reason Nigerians prayed fervently for her recovery when it became public knowledge that she was critically sick. That was not the reason so many mourned her demise even on the social media. People who did not have any personal contact with her, used her pictures as their profile pictures.
Truth is Prof. Nkem Akunyili fought battles which affect every Nigerian both at home and abroad. She made waves locally and internationally with her fearless exploits while at NAFDAC. Lives were saved through banning, seizure and destruction of fake and substandard products. It is true that efforts were made to sabotage her efforts and even assassinate her but she prevailed.
As Nigeria's Information Minister, she stood for truth at a time when parochial reasons nearly swallowed up the constitution. President Goodluck Jonathan will be kind to remember her good works then. Admittedly, she stepped on very big toes in her quest for truth yet she did not stop at that. She embarked on the lifeline 'Rebranding Nigeria'. This was laundering the Country's image in the eyes of the world while it tried to refocus the thinking of the citizenry.
It is therefore not surprising that Minister of Information, Labaran Maku at the requiem mass for her funeral in Agulu, described her as a good ambassador and good fighter for the truth. He also urged all to emulate her legacies. Also full of commendations is Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State who described her as fearless and propelling.
The roll call of dignitaries who defied the rains to pay their last respects is another indicator of her goodness. The likes of Rtd Gen. Gowon & wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, Governor of Bauchi state Dr. Isah Yuguda, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Wife of Ebonyi State Governor Mrs. Josephine Elechi , Wife of Abia State Governor Mrs . Odochi Orji, Ex-Governor Peter Obi , Ex-Governor Sam Egwu, Minister of health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Power Prof.Chinedu Nebo.
Others who were there include DG -NAFDAC Dr Paul Orhi, DG-SON Dr. Joseph Odumodu, DG-Nigerian Stock Exchange Miss Arunma Oteh, Deputy-Speaker House of Reps Rt.Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Andy Uba, Senator Chris Ngige , Senator Annie Okonkwo, House of Assembly members, House of reps members, Commissioners, local government chairmen among others.
Charity begins at home and this late Dora exhibited to the core as evident in the speeches of her husband Dr Chike Akunyili and her first son Dr Edozie Akunyili who spoke on behalf of the Akunyili's. He said his mother did not live for them alone but for all Nigerians. He enjoined all to keep the legacies of his late mother aglow by making the country the best in the world.
As the Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor implores everybody to continue to pray for the repose of her soul, Nigerians especially mothers will remain eternally grateful to her for fighting fake and substandard drugs and saving the lives of children.
For the South-Easterners, she remains evergreen, deeply etched in their memories. Onitsha traders will not forget her in a hurry. For her family, as her name 'NKEMDILIM' implies, she was and will remain theirs through her long-term and life-changing legacies. Already a museum has been set in place to inspire all to good and brave efforts.
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