Her death is a great loss to the nation, womenfolk —Patience Jonathan

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has described the former Minister of Information, and erstwhile Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili, as a “titan,” who left an indelible mark with the passion and conviction with which she served the nation. She also described the late Akunyili’s departure as, “a great loss to the nation and the womenfolk.” The First Lady stated this today in Abuja while receiving the news of the death of the late professor. She remarked that, “Words cannot adequately express the shock and deep sadness I feel on receiving this news.” Dame Jonathan observed that the late Akunyili demonstrated that if given the opportunity, women could make a difference as evident from her glowing career as an internationally renowned pharmacist, respected academic and distinguished administrator. She called the late Professor Akunyili, “a bright and shining star,” saying that, “While we mourn her loss, we offer thanksgiving to God for her sojourn on this earth and for her service to the nation and humanity.”