Friday, June 13, 2014

The Corpse of Prof. Dora Akunyili Arrives in Nigeria for Befitting Burial

The remains of the former NAFDAC boss and Minister of Information and Communications arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Wednesday. The corpse of the Nigerian elite was received with a storm by her family members and political associates. 

The reception team was led by the immediate-past Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who assured that the former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control would be given a befitting burial of her status.

Dr. Dora’s body was flown down to Nigeria in a private aircraft from India where she had been receiving treatment before eventually succumbed to the cold hand of death. It was accompanied by her husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili; and her younger brother, Dr. Anayo Edemobi.

The remains were subsequently conveyed to a morgue in Abuja in an ambulance belongs to the Nigerian-Turkish Nizamiye Hospital.

The reception team leader said a burial programme would be drawn up soon and assured that several stakeholders would contribute to the programme in close collaboration with the Akunyili family.

The former governor described Akunyili as a special Nigerian who made all possible sacrifices for the health of the country and her people.

Those who joined Obi at the airport to receive her body included a former Aso Rock Chaplain, Rev. Williams Okoye; Mr. Chidi Agbapu, Ejike Imoka, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, Chuma Nzeribe, and Chinwendu Iloh, among many other admirers and well-wishers.

Akunyili died in the Indian Specialist Cancer Hospital on Saturday, June 7, after a two-year battle with cancer.

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