Teddy Oscar, Abuja
Eminent Nigerians, including the Senate president, David Mark; deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu; deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have paid tributes to the duo of former minister of information, Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili, and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, whose deaths occurred on Saturday and Friday, respectively.
Reacting to the news of the former director general of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mark, who described her as an intellectual icon of international repute, added that the nation has lost one of her patriotic and dedicated public officers, who believed in the sanctity of unity and indivisibility of Nigeria.
In a press statement by his chief press secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh, Mark recalled Akunyili’s unwavering commitment and dedication as the then boss of NAFDAC.
According to him, Akunyili also brought Nigeria to global reckoning with her campaign of ‘Great Nigeria, Great people’ even as the nation’s chief image maker.
“Nigerians would not forget in a hurry her resolute and relentless war against fake and counterfeit drugs when she chased the illicit drug peddlers out of the market. We have lost a great amazon. We have lost a scholar. We have lost a crusader. We have lost a soldier who stood to be counted when it mattered. We shall miss her robust and honest contributions to the socio- political and economic development on Nigeria,” Mark lamented.
Ekweremadu, who expressed grief and shock over the death of Akunyili, called on the Federal Government to immortalise her.
“She was a woman of substance, unequalled character, and courage who brought respect and glory to the nation. Her death was a colossal loss to the entire country and an exit of an uncommon role model.
“Prof. Dora Akunyili was a woman of enormous integrity, a quintessential professional, and public administrator per excellence. As a minister, she was outstanding and as the director general of NAFDAC, she brought a lot of energy and impetus to bear on the fight against fake and substandard drugs and food. Her brilliant innovations and unparalleled spirited war in the health sector practically gave life back to millions of Nigerians. Indeed, Prof. Akunyili spared no cabals wherever they existed throughout her public service; for her love for her fatherland filled her with the courage to tread where other mortals feared to venture.
“She was amongst the brightest in our galaxy of eminent women and never dimmed in quality and character. She was faithful and true to the nation till the very end and will be seriously missed. She practically laid down her life for her country and remained a role model that represented everything a Nigerian woman should be,” he said in a statement by his special adviser on media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu.
Ihedioha, who mourned the departure from earth of Bayero and Akunyuli, described both individuals as the loss of committed patriots, nationalists, and firm crusaders for peace, unity and an egalitarian society where justice and fairness reigns.
“The late Emir of Kano was a renowned monarch of peace who stood for the promotion of peaceful co-existence, national unity and fairness among all people. He had a benevolent spirit that radiated a warm hospitality which made all and sundry feel comfortable in the ancient city of Kano.
“Our dear Prof. Dora was an epitome of courage, doggedness and determination to succeed above all odds. She served Nigeria till her last breathe as she struggled to give her all to a country she had virtually sacrificed her life for several times before her death. Nigeria will miss them both sorely,” he said in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Oke Epia.
Meanwhile, NLC president, Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, has expressed sadness at the death of Bayero, describing him as one of the very few traditional rulers that is worthy of mention as a man of peace, intellect and focus in Nigeria.
Omar, in a statement, said that late Bayero clearly understood the metropolitan, multi ethnic and multinational implications of residents of his emirate.
“(He) also ensured every resident would never have any encumbrances in their socio economic and political contributions that has proven Kano city as one of the fastest growing cities in Nigeria. The late emir lived by his personal means through agriculture and stock trading.
“Industries, especially textile, leather, international trade, agriculture, the informal economy etc blossomed under his traditional leadership until recent economic slump instigated by obvious lack of national policy directions as imposed by global neo liberal interests,” Omar added.
