By Akinwunmi Ibrahim

THREE years ago, the entire Nigerian nation was rudely awakened to the sad news of the passing of Prof. Dora Akunyili, a former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), who submitted to the cold hands of death in an Indian hospital on June 7, year 2014.

Prof. Dora Akunyili

For many, her memory is fast fading away, but to her family and loved ones, her loss is ever fresh. One fact remains – late Dora did not follow the beaten path while serving her fatherland. Instead, she headed where there is no path and left a trail at every government parastatal she worked in; and this has been proven many times. On this premise for this great heroine, award upon award has never stopped rolling in both from home and abroad. One among the notable is the Federal Government Girls’ College, Calabar (FGGC) honour. She was celebrated as a role model at the school’s 43rd anniversary.  She was among the five fondly and carefully selected celebrities for the honour; with one of the newly-built hostels inaugurated and named after her.

During this memorable day, personalities and representatives were drawn from all spheres of endeavour as they equally lent their voices to eulogise the symbols which late Prof. Dora represented.

Giving a brief remark about the late icon, former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, described her as “a brand for a brand new Nigeria”. He added that her name epitomizes fairness, justice, equality, selfless service, determination, courage and patriotism. Her tenacity while in NAFDAC as the director-general speaks volumes till date.“I’m yet to see any Nigerian either living or dead who has surpassed her record in awards and recognition. The laurels she has had showcase how far and well laboured she has been to her fatherland and beyond the shores.

“I do remember when I was a sitting governor of my state, any time she was in Calabar, she would come to see me and advise me on the way to develop my state and my people. The cleanliness of Cross River today, cannot be slipped away on the tongue without mentioning her name as the architect of the aesthetic environment we are enjoying,” said Duke.

Speaking as chairman of the occasion and a Member of Governing Council, University of Calabar, Otunba Mohammed Ilupeju, described her exit from the Nigerian soil as so sudden and painful. “We are yet to see a simplistic, articulate dear sister and dear mother like Prof. Dora Akunyili. She would be greatly missed by well meaning Nigerians”.

On the College’s part, Dr. (Mrs) Ijeoma Mfon Essien, the former principal said that her name reverberates among names. “Her works transitioned into what many people are enjoying today in our country named Nigeria. Any time we remember her, we know we have lost a rare gem in the country’s history. Not that she was beautiful facially; but also beautiful inside; that her name stood for many beautiful things one could ever mention as far our country is concerned.

“Is it to talk about her meritorious service while serving in NAFDAC? Is it her being truthful by returning into the purse of the federal government the balance of monies given for her medical treatment abroad? Or is it her letting the truth out when the country is steriled by the cabals in government? Name it, this woman was highly endowed by God to serve our nation but it is so painful that she could not stay longer before death snatched her from us.” she said.

Convincingly, given to unflinching honour she stood for, her graveside has been a tourist centre and a Mecca of sorts where people also visit for prayers. Vis-a-vis, an inalienable fact is that late Prof. Dora Akunyili’s memories and works can never be easily swept off in the saddle of time. Her legacies would live with us; and will never outlive us even for generations unborn.