The remains of the immediate-past Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, were received at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Wednesday evening by a few family members and political associates.
The reception team was led by the immediate-past Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who assured that Akunyili will be given a burial befitting her status and fame.
Akunyili’s body was flown to Nigeria in a private aircraft from India. It was accompanied by her husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili and her younger brother, Dr. Anayo Edemobi.
The remains were subsequently conveyed to a mortuary in Abuja in an Ambulance written Nigerian-Turkish Nizamiye Hospital.
Obi said the next thing was for a programme for her burial to be drawn up, assuring several stakeholders will make their input to the programme in close collaboration with her family.
The former governor described Akunyili as an uncommon Nigerian, who made all possible sacrifices for the health of the country and her people.
“Those who visit the social media told me that Akunyili was one prominent Nigerian that all comments about her on social media were pouring of encomiums on a life lived for others amidst genuine regrets about her demise.
“These show us all that she was a wonderful woman that should be seen as a role model by us all. To show you the depth of her love for Nigeria, when I visited her in India, she was full of concern for challenges facing our country and appealed for the release of Chibok girls and prayed for God to strengthen President Goodluck Jonathan in his resolve and efforts to lead the country aright,” Obi said.
Those that joined Obi at the airport to receive her body are Rev. Dr. Williams Okoye, former Aso Rock Chaplain; Mr. Chidi Agbapu; Ejike Imoka; Mrs. Uche Ekwunife; Chuma Nzeribe; Chinwendu Iloh; among many other admirers and well-wishers.
Akunyili, former NAFDAC DG and Federal Minister of Information and Communications died in Indian Specialist Cancer Hospital on Saturday, June 7, after a two-year battle with cancer.
[Punchng]