The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akunyili

  • How Akunyili’s grandson made history in American fencing

    How Akunyili’s grandson made history in American fencing

    While Fencing may not be a popular sport in Nigeria, 16-year-old Nigerian sensation Inkosi Brou, grandson of late NAFDAC Director General Prof. Dora Akunyili, has been creating impact in the sports abroad.

    The teenage fencing sensation, has etched his name in history by becoming the first Nigerian to be selected for the prestigious All-American Fencing First Team.

    This elite group comprises top college fencers from across the United States, and Inkosi’s inclusion is a testament to his exceptional skill and unwavering dedication.

    Handpicked by USA Fencing from high school fencers who have excelled on the fencing strip, Inkosi not only possesses superior skills in the sport but also exemplifies outstanding leadership and sportsmanship. His achievement is a source of pride for the Nigeria Fencing Federation, which recognizes the hard work and perseverance that led him to this point. At just 16 years old, Inkosi’s success serves as an inspiring beacon of hope for aspiring athletes back home.

    The All-American First Team honor is bestowed upon athletes who demonstrate excellence in their respective sports, akin to the NCAA Basketball All-American Team or the Football All-American Team. Inkosi’s inclusion in this select group is a remarkable feat, especially considering his Nigerian roots. His accomplishment not only highlights his talent but also puts Nigeria on the global fencing map.

    Ranked 55th in the Junior World Ranking and 74th in the Senior World Ranking, the Nigerian-born athlete has earned an A24 rating. His impressive track record in prestigious competitions underscores his skill and unwavering commitment to the sport.

    Inkosi’s success resonates with young athletes in Nigeria and beyond, illustrating that with determination and hard work, anything is achievable.

    Beyond his achievements, Brou is a nationally ranked saber fencer in the U.S.

    The founder of the Fencing Diaspora Foundation (FDF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing Africa’s next generation of youth fencers, is already thinking of how his success can rub off on Nigeria’s youth.

    “I want to see a reflection of what I’m doing with fencing in Nigeria. I want it to resonate  in my country of birth because I believe we have kid in Nigeria who are passionate about fencing and can excel given the opportunity,” he said.  

    Read Also: Injured Simon returns to training in Nantes preseason

    He was in Nigeria last year alongside his trainer and mentor, three-time Olympian a 2016 Olympic silver medalist, Daryl Homer, and he noted that many black players have broken into the elite group courtesy of Homer.

    Homer said: “It is a good one finding time to fly to Nigeria to come and talk to the children of the fencing local community will serve as an inspiration to them and also as an international star. The workshop will also help groom and boost the morale of the children who are intending to choose a career in the sport.”

    Inkosi, commenting on their visit, said, “Our trip to Nigeria, which is sponsored by Fencing Diaspora Foundation and Lagos Fencing Club will spread awareness about the sport of fencing with the goal of producing top Nigerian fencers who can compete on the international stage of African Cups and World Cups.

    “I am proud to call Daryl a coach and mentor over the years. He is a coach at the legendary Peter Westbrook Foundation in New York City. The Peter Westbrook Foundation has produced multiple Black Olympians. He is a great achiever, having won the Olympic three times and a 2016 Olympic silver medalist. In that regard, he is helping to shape my fencing career,” said Inkosi.

  • Obasanjo pays tribute to Akunyili, praises Dickson

    Obasanjo pays tribute to Akunyili, praises Dickson

    NIGERIA’s former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday paid tributes to the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, for her contributions to the fight against counterfeit drugs in the country. Obasanjo spoke in Yenagoa at the commissioning of the Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Centre and other state -of-theart health facilities in Yenagoa. While commending Governor Dickson for investing in the health sector , Obasanjo said the vision of the governor was worthy of emulation.

    The former president also enrolled in the Bayelsa State Health Insurance Scheme, making him an honorary enrollee. According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, the former President commissioned the Bayelsa State Specialist Hospital, Drug Distribution Center and the World-Class Diagnostic Centre. Other projects commissioned include, the Gloryland Drive at Igbogene, renamed as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Drive as well as unveiling of the Government House Heliport, which is now known as King AP Diete Spiff Heliport. Chief Obasanjo who took a facility tour of the health projects, said he was highly impressed by the level of commitment demonstrated by the governor in providing world-class health facilities and services to the citizenry.

    He also commended Governor Dickson for keying into the vision of the late Director General of NAFDAC, Prof Akunyili in the establishing the Drug Mart and Distribution Center, noting that the facility would assist in curbing the menace of fake drugs and drug abuse. In his remarks, Governor Dickson said, as part of his administration’s revolutionary intervention in the health sector, government decided to expand quality health services to accommodate the average Bayelsan. Acknowledging the contributions of late Prof Akunyili, Governor Dickson assured that, he would continue to identify with any worthy cause aimed at promoting the health of the people.

    According to him, the state government decided to name one of the halls of the Drug Mart and Distribution Center after Prof. Akunyili as part of efforts at immortalising her. In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu and Managing Director of the Bayelsa Diagnostic Centre, Prof. Ifiemu Nwariaku, noted that the facilities have started providing world-class services before their inauguration. According to them, the governor’s vision of turning Bayelsa to a health hub through medical tourism is being achieved as people from within and outside the state now patronise the facilities, which boastof cardiovascular, renal and stroke centres.

  • ‘Immortalise Akunyili’

    ‘Immortalise Akunyili’

    Former Minister for Power Prof. Chinedu Nebo has called on the Federal Government to immortalise the late former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili. He said immortalising her would inspire the younger generation to do well for their country.

    Nebo spoke at the first memorial anniversary of Prof. Akunyili in Enugu where he presented a lecture, titled: “Dora Akunyili and her uncommon legacy”.

    Commending the Anambra State government for taking the lead in immortalising her, Nebo recalled that as Information Minister, Prof. Akunyili worked tirelessly to rebrand Nigeria and gave the country an enviable image abroad, adding that “she dutifully guided her team to bring to the fore, those marvelous and imperishable beauties in our diverse cultures, instead of nosing around for bad news to report.”

    “In some circles abroad, all one needed to obtain some special favours was to claim that you were from Dora Akunyili’s country.

    “Her efforts yielded substantial fruits. The challenges she faced were overwhelming, yet, she remained undaunted; exhibiting the fireworks of an indomitable spirit”.

    Nebo said Prof. Akunyili’s virtues were too numerous to amalgamate into one lecture, and prayed God to give Nigeria another Dora Akunyili.

    Former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, described her as a committed Nigerian who was ready to sacrifice her life to save the country.

    Chairman of the occasion and former Secretary to the Federal Government, Anyim Pius Anyim, said Dora was a great patriot, who served her husband Dr. Chike Akunyili, and the nation well, saying it would be difficult to find a replacement for her.

    Dr. Chike Akunyili and first daughter, Dr. Ije Akunyili Achy-brou, who spoke on behalf of the family, said they were consoled by the encomiums poured on the deceased.

  • Photo: Akunyili’s husband, children, ex-Gov Obi

    Photo: Akunyili’s husband, children, ex-Gov Obi

    The former Gov. of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi(middle), with late Prof. Dora Akunyili's husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili(on Obi's left), with other children of Prof. Akunyili after the one-year memorial lecture in his honour, delivered by Obi at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu at the weekend
    The former Gov. of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi(middle), with late Prof. Dora Akunyili’s husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili(on Obi’s left), with other children of Prof. Akunyili after the one-year memorial lecture in his honour, delivered by Obi at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu at the weekend

  • Akunyili: Ngige, Ezeemo, Emodi, Ekwunife others pay tributes

    Akunyili: Ngige, Ezeemo, Emodi, Ekwunife others pay tributes

    FOLLOWING Thursday’s burial of former Information and Communications Minister, Prof Dora Akunyili, prominent Nigerians have continued to praise her sense of dedication and strong character. Senator Chris Ngige, who defeated Akunyili in the Anambra Central Senatorial elections in 2011, said that Dora’s death was like a shock to him and a confirmation that good things don’t last in the world of sin. According to Ngige, Dora had shown great sense of honesty and strong character of what she believed in from her childhood days. “We all grew up together and schooled as well. I have known her over the years as a woman with strong colors and she stood for her rights,” Ngige said Also, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, who contested the governorship of the state in 2013 under the umbrella of the Progressives People’s Alliance (PPA) paid his condolence to the Akunyili family yesterday. He described Akunyili as one who stood for many coins in areas of administration and management and broke the jinx men were afraid to dare. “Surely, we the Igbo will miss her as a personality. But what she stood for would live after her,” Ezeemo said He urged the her family to always carry on as was taught by their mother and ensure that they live her legacy wherever they find themselves, saying that would keep her prints going. Ezeemo was represented at the condolence visit in Agulu community yesterday by his wife, Nneka. Among the people that joined Ezeemo were his running mate during the 2013 governorship election, Dr. Ralph Chikwenze, Bar Emma Uduone, Mr. Linus Ihuo, Chief Barnabas Okonkwo and Engr. Mike Igweilo among others. Prof Godwin Onu , Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, said that Dora was a gift to Nigeria, adding that she used her talent to work for the common good of all citizens. The lawmaker representing Anaocha I constituency, Ebele Ejiofor, said Akunyili was and would remain his role model, noting that he had a close contact with her during their campaigns for the 2011 elections and found her a trusted fellow Former commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in Anambra State, Mr. Dubem Obaze, said the late Akunyili lived a life for all and made sacrifices when it mattered most without the fear of losing her life.

  • Akunyili: A drug Czar goes home

    Akunyili: A drug Czar goes home

    Greatness is all about being recognised by an anonymous many. Again, what counts is not how long one lives but how one impacted on the lives of others; how one enhanced the socio-political lives of the people.

    One would have lived a fulfilled life when one’s personality and character could recognise each other when they meet in the dark. The late Prof. Dora Akunyili played a major role in impacting the lives of those who came across her during her life time.

    Though dead, the late Mrs Akunyili’s legacy will remain indelible in the minds of those who knew her, either in her Agulu community, Anambra State or Nigeria.

    The late Mrs Akunyili was the former Minister of Information and Communication and one-time Director-General, National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    But there are mysteries surrounding the life and times of the late amiable Amazon that keep reverberating.

    Did she have an inkling that she was not going to live long? This question is tenable based on the fact that most of her actions tilted towards enhancing the well-being of others, especially the less-privileged. It seemed she quickened her benevolent actions to accomplish many tasks in good time.

    Even before the end of her short life, the late Mrs Akunyili loved helping the poor and the less-privileged.

    One of such people was her gate man, whom she later adopted as her house help. She identified the innate intelligence in the young man and his zeal to learn. She had to send him to school. Today, he is an accountant in one of the biggest accounting agencies in the country.

    Not only that, the late Mrs Akunyili was given money by the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) to enable her to treat her diagnosed tumor abroad. She returned the money to the Federal Government when it was clear the diagnosis was inaccurate.

    Apart from all these and many more, her husband, Dr. John Chike Akunyili, told reporters in Agulu that since the death of his wife, things have been working in mysterious ways in the family.

    First, he said there was a time they ran short of cash and a call came from Iyom Josephine Anenih who made the funds available. The family, he said, was astonished.

    Dr. Akunyili said the woman told him that it was the money she owed his wife.

    He said: “Although she is dead, I know her spirit hovers around because, since her death, everything has been easy and working for me mysteriously.”

    Besides, he said the late professor of Pharmacology amassed over 800 awards, with another post-humous award to be received in November in the United States.

    Again, she will be the first person to be buried in Agulu community between August 15 and 30, as the people see it as a taboo to bury anybody on those dates.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that it was the period the community celebrates their new yam festival and commune with their gods with the monarch of the land performing his festival rite on August 29.

    Some source said: “The burial, which has been scheduled in this community by the Federal Government within this period is likely to have adverse effect on the people because such a thing has never happened before in the area.

    When our correspondent contacted Igwe Innocent Obodoakor, the traditional ruler of the community on the issue, he said the dead must be buried.

    Furthermore, it was gathered that Mrs Akunyili would not be buried in her Nkitaku Village. She will rather be buried in Nneogidi Village close to NAFDAC office where the family built a house.

    Some of the residents of the community believe that it is an anomaly to bury somebody from another village in the community.  When the late Mrs Akunyili was ill, it was said that she was suffering from cervical cancer but after her death, the husband revealed that she died of “Endometrial carcinoma”.

    According to him, it was rare type of cancer that spreads fast in the body without anybody knowing.

    He said: “We were told that people with such condition will only live for seven months. But with prayers, she survived it for two years and two months until she became ill again.”

    The woman whose life and times were surrounded by mysteries died on June 7, this year after a two-year battle with cancer at an Indian hospital. The burial takes place today in Agulu community.

    The husband described her as an elephant, who loved her country even during her travails, even though she vowed to fight for the country with the last drop of her blood.

    Dr. Akunyili said: “Her love for Nigeria was phenomenal and beyond words. Even in her last days when she was very ill, she insisted that she would serve the country with her last breath.

    “She wanted a home called Nigeria where citizens could live and enjoy but it is unfortunate she did not live to see such a country.”

    Her last wish was for the girls abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School Chibok in Borno State by the Boko Haram insurgents are released because, according to her, they are all innocent girls.

    The only area where such mystery did not work was when she ventured into politics for the Anambra Central Senatorial zone where she lost to Senator Chris Ngige.

    Some of her awards included the Transparency International Integrity Award in 2003 for being one of the sincere and honest persons in the world.

    She was equally recognised as one of the 18 Heroes of its Global Health 2005 for her relentless battle to rid Nigeria of the menace of fake and adulterated drugs.

    This led to another mystery in her life. Some drug barons attempted to eliminate her but she mysteriously escaped the attack.

    She was described as Nigeria Drug Warrior who did her job of ridding the society of fake drugs diligently.

    Prof. Akunyili was also the first African to win the 2005 edition of the coveted British Grassroots Human Rights Awards series.

    The award was given to unsung Heroes of Human Rights, who daily risk their lives in pursuit of truth and in defence of the defencless, among others.

  • Nigerians won’t forget Akunyili – Jonathan

    Nigerians won’t forget Akunyili – Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday maintained that it will not be easy for Nigerians to forget the late former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili, due to her patriotic performance especially as Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    He made the remark while speaking at the Requiem Mass held in her honour at the Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro Cathedral Catholic Church, Area 3, Abuja.

    While noting that the deceased was appointed to several offices including Minister of Information and Communication under late President Umaru Yar’Adua, Jonathan said that her days at NAFDAC was the most renown  because of her service to the nation.

    He urged Nigerians to emulate Akunyili, describing her as diligent, intelligent, extremely patriotic and extremely brave.

    He said: “This is our last assignment in honour of our sister. Dora was a professor of medicine, at the public level she served in Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), NAFDAC and then minister. Dora was more known as DG NAFDAC more than when she served as a minister. Most Nigerians knew Dora because of her service.

    “So most of the offices we look for, anybody who has opportunity to serve we should all serve because what will endear you to people is not necessarily the office you hold but the service you render.

    “As a minister, Dora was good we were very happy to work with her. She was diligent, intelligent, very forthright, extremely patriotic and above all she was extremely brave and could say anything right or wrong and did not care whose ox is gored. That was Dora for you.”

    Continuing, the President said: “She sought to protect the lives of Nigerians as DG of NAFDAC and never compromised as regards those who traffic in fake drugs.”

    “One thing that endeared her to me is that, probably I’m one president that has worked with so many women. At times you noticed rivalry amongst women but with her you never noticed any rivalry.”

    “Today, our dear sister has left us, but to my brother,  her husband, as the Bishop has told us about the virtues of a good wife, you have to thank God you will get that respect as her husband because of her achievements.”

    Addressing the deceased children, he said: “To my children, your mother was a very dynamic woman because her works and identity has given you what silver and gold cannot give you. Yes, it might not translate to monetary rewards, but many will respect and want to assist you as Dora’s children because of her. We pray that those of us serving when we die people will respect our children because of our deeds like Dora. So you have to thank God for that.”

  • Senator urges Akunyili’s immortalisation

    Senator urges Akunyili’s immortalisation

    A lawmaker, Senator Annie Okonkwo, has urged Anambra State government to work with the Federal Government to immortalise Prof. Dora Akunyili.

    Okonkwo, who recalled that Mrs. Akunyili was one of his brilliant and hard working constituents during his sojourn at the Senate, said: “It is sad that our inspirational Dora,  whose transformational strides at the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) boosted the image of the country, succumbed to death when her services were needed.”

    The lawmaker, who spoke through his special adviser, Mr. Collins Steve Ugwu, said: “Dora’s public service, commitment and contributions to national growth would be difficult to surpass.

    “I enjoin the state and federal governments to immortalise her. She deserved it.”

  • Vigil for Akunyili

    Vigil for Akunyili

    The funeral of the former Minister of Information and Communication, the late Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili, begins today with a Christian wake at her Enugu home, 2A, Bishop Onyeabor Street, G.R.A. Enugu.

    The vigil, which starts from 4pm, kicks off a week-long funeral programme of activities for the celebrated one-time Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    Prof. Akunyili’s funeral continues on Monday with a Night of Tributes at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, from 5pm. A Mass will be held for her at Pro-Cathedral Catholic Church, Abuja, by 10am the next day.

  • FEC pays tribute to Akunyili

    Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

    Members of the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday took turn to pay tribute to the former Minister of Information and Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), late Prof. Dora Akunyili.

    They noted that Akunyili gave her best to the service of the nation right from her period in the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) to NAFDAC and then as Minister of Information.

    Akunyili, according to them, served the country to the end of her life as she was a delegate at the ongoing national conference till death came.

    President Goodluck Jonathan, in his tribute to Akunyili, said that she was a “virtues woman” in line with the Holy Bible.

    He said: “I first met her when I was deputy governor in Bayelsa. She was a very upright and courageous woman, a role model per excellence, she made her mark clearly. I believe so many young ladies would emulate her.”

    “Her impact was much more in NAFDAC than as Minister of Information. But she came up with rebranding Nigeria. Her passion was unique.”

    “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 noted

    Vice President Namadi Sambo in his tribute said Akunyili’s death is a great loss to the country.

    “Dora has left indelible mark in this country. Despite many attempts on her life, she continued to persist. She was a patriotic and dedicated Nigerian. NAFDAC is a sanitised institution because of her,” he said.

    On her part, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said, “It is 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.”