Son Of Late Dora-Akunyili Urges Nigeria’s Leaders To Emulate Her Legacy (View-Text)

Son Of Late Dora-Akunyili Urges Nigeria’s Leaders To Emulate Her Legacy (View-Text)

Obumneme, the son of the late Dora Akunyili, former director-general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has emphasized that Nigeria’s current leaders should strive to follow in his mother’s footsteps. Speaking on the occasion of Akunyili’s 10th memorial, he expressed the view that his mother’s legacy remains an unparalleled benchmark.

Reflecting on the decade since her passing, Obumneme noted that while time has somewhat lessened the pain, the void left by his mother’s demise is still keenly felt. He remarked, “She left a legacy for our family, which we all strive every day to live up to.”

Her untimely death, he revealed, redirected the course of his life. “She was always a shield to my siblings and I, protecting us from the world. When she died, we all understood that we had to show the world what we were made of. I think she would be proud of every single one of us today.”

Obumneme expressed a sentiment shared by many Nigerians when he said, “If Nigeria had 10 of her in any government, the country would be on pace with Dubai.” He highlighted his mother’s unwavering integrity and confidence, coupled with her resolute, no-nonsense demeanor, as qualities sorely needed in leadership.

Concluding his remarks, Obumneme underscored that his mother’s legacy transcends her personal achievements, serving as a beacon for ethical governance. “She will be remembered as a barometer of what people in public service are capable of,” he affirmed.

Dora Akunyili, the former NAFDAC DG, passed away on June 7, 2014, at a specialist hospital in India, following a two-year battle with uterine cancer.