Dora Akunyili Had No Match In Service – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan, Tuesday, challenged public office holders to strive to be recognised by the quality of service they rendered while in office rather than the position they held.

The president stated this in a a remark at the requiem mass for the former Minister of Information, Dr. Dora Akunyili, at the Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, Area 3, Garki, Abuja, describing the late former Information Minister, Prof. Dora Akunyili, as a patriotic Nigerian who had no rivalry in service.

According to him, the late Prof. Akunyili will be etched in the memory of Nigerians for decades because of her sterling achievements, especially as Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

“Dora was a professor of pharmacy. At the public level she served in Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), NAFDAC and then minister.

“Dora was more known as DG NAFDAC, more than when she served as a minister. Most Nigerians knew Dora because of her service. So most of the offices we look for, anybody who has opportunity to serve, we should all serve because what will endear you to people is not necessarily the office you hold, but the service you render. He urged Nigerians to emulate her life in public service.

“She sought to protect the lives of Nigerians as DG of NAFDAC and never compromised as regards those who traffic fake drugs.

“One thing that endeared her to me is that, probably I’m one president that has worked with so many women. At times, you noticed rivalry amongst women, but with her you never noticed any rivalry.

“Today, our dear sister has left us but to my brother, her husband, as the Bishop has told us about the the virtues of a good wife, you have to thank God you will get that respect as her husband because of her achievements.

“To my children, your mother was a very dynamic woman because her works and identity have given you what silver and gold cannot give you. Yes, it might not translate to monetary rewards, but many will respect and want to assist you as her children because of her,” President Jonathan said.

In his homily at the Mass, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah, said funerals should be one of the proudest moment as Christians as they serve as a reminder of the mortality of man.

“The reality of funerals is as Jesus demonstrated to us, that tears are part of our emotions as He wept for his friend, Lazarus.

“We know that Jesus went and came back. It is that simple act that Christians believe that death is the beginning of new life,” he said.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Prof (Mrs) Dora Akunyili was an Eagle. They’re equipped eminently by their Maker, they deliver on their mandates, and soar away, back to Attic, with great account! We miss her, but God, The Maker, has the ultimate glory, through Christ our Lord; Amen!