As part of the resolution passed by the Anambra State house of Assembly to Immortalise the former Minister of Information and National Orientation. Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili, the Governor of the State has named the Women's Development Centre Awka facility after the late Icon.
Addressing the mammoth crowd that came to grace the unveiling of the edifice, Governor Willie Obiano said it would be a symbol to immortalising her in recognition of her outstanding historic services to the
nation.
(L-R) Dr Chike
Akunyili, widower of the late Minister of Information and Chief Willie Obiano,
Governor of Anambra State unveiling a plaque to commemorate the renaming of the
Women Development Center, Awka to Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development
Center, Awka.
The governor
observed that the departed NAFDAC boss liked to stand alone on justice, truth
and equity which led to the salvation of Nigeria in the build up to the
controversy that surrounded late Yar'Adua's succession.
Speaking from
academic perspective, the Vice-chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka,
Professor Joseph Ahaneku appreciated God for the life of Dora Akunyili and
charged Anambra women to emulate the starling qualities of the fake drug
fighter in all their undertakings in order contribute meaningfully to
nation-building.
He urged women
researchers to ensure that their research works have relevance and visibility
as exemplified by Prof Akunyili in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where she
studied and taught.
Responding, the
husband of the deceased Dr Chike Akunyili said immortalising his late wife by
Anambra government was the highest honour done her from her own state.
According to him,
Igbinedion University Okada named her Pharmacy School as Prof Dora Akunyili
College of Pharmacy and also named her biggest female hostel after her; Nnamdi
Azikiwe University Awka , he said, named her big hostel after Dora just as
Onyeka Onwenu's National Council of Women Society named their big hall after
her.
The Catholic
Bishop of Awka Diocese Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor presided over the memorial
service while the former Minister of Women Affair, Iyom Josephine Anenih
proposed for the establishment of Dora Akunyili study centre across Nigerian
tertiary institutions to help explore the leadership qualities of the departed
amazon on womanhood.
