TheCable

Willie Obiano, governor of Anambra state, is planning to immortalise Dora Akunyili, former director-general of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), for her selfless service to the nation.

In a statement signed by Uju Nwogu, Anambra state commissioner for information, culture and tourism, the government said it would name the women development centre after the former minister.

“The Anambra state government will on Saturday 5th September, 2015 hold a memorial ceremony in honour of the late Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili, OFR, former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Minister of Information and Communications,” the statement read.

“As part of the memorial ceremony, the state government will name the state Women Development Centre after Professor Akunyili in recognition of her sterling contributions and outstanding service to Anambra State and Nigeria in general.”

The event will show case a documentary of her life and times, and an unveiling of a plaque symbolising the entire honourarium.

“The ceremony will also feature a concelebrated Holy Mass, a documentary on the life and times of the late Professor Dora Akunyili, tributes by the academia, representatives of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and some top government functionaries.

“His Excellency the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano will also use the occasion to unveil the plaque symbolizing the renaming of the state Women Development Centre after the late erudite Professor.

“Ndi Anambra both at home and in diaspora are by this announcement invited to the ceremony which will kick off at the Women Development Centre, Awka by 10am.”

Akunyili died on June 7, 2014, after a long battle with cancer.