Dora Akunyili’s Children Celebrate Her Legacy on 12th Memorial Anniversary

The children of the late Professor Dora Akunyili marked the 12th anniversary of her passing by celebrating her enduring legacy. They remembered their mother, the former Director-General of Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as a "lioness" who served Nigerians with unwavering passion, integrity, and commitment throughout her life.

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She showed kindness and generosity to everyone whether great or small. She served people with humility and diligence. Even as busy as she was, she attended to everyone that came to her for help. She responded to every single text message that came to her phone and left no stone unturned. When people came to visit her in her office to seek employment, she would help them as much as she could. Even if she was not able to, she would give the person transport money for their journey.

In a joint statement, they highlighted Akunyili's kindness, humility, and dedication to helping others, regardless of their status. They recalled her diligent approach to every task, her prompt responses to those seeking assistance, and her generosity, even offering transport money to job seekers. Her value for time meant she never procrastinated, treating every responsibility with urgency.

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Our mum is a devout Catholic, funny, a loving mother to all everyone, including her staff who all called her ‘Mummy’. She can instantly fill up a room with the energy and joy she exudes.

Describing her as a devout Catholic, a loving mother, and a joyful individual, her children noted that her presence could instantly brighten any room. They affectionately shared that even her staff called her 'Mummy.' The family also emphasized her role as a role model, urging Nigerians to embody her values of integrity, commitment, transparency, and accountability to drive positive change in the country.

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Nigeria is a work in progress and for Nigerians to get the Nigeria we all dream of, we all have to be Dora’s in our everyday lives from the regular citizens up to the leadership. As we always say, if this country has 10 Dora’s in leadership, this country will change for good.

Professor Akunyili, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 59 after a two-year battle with uterine cancer, gained national and international acclaim for her relentless efforts against counterfeit drugs and her advocacy for public health in Nigeria. Her children expressed pride in her achievements, stating that her honesty and service brought honor to Nigeria on the global stage.

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We would also remember her for honesty, integrity and delivering service to the people of Nigeria, which were her life works and we are proud that she achieved them.