I received with great shock, and sadness, the news of the passing on of my sister, friend and school mate, Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili. Her death is a tremendous blow and loss to her family, as well as to Anambra State, Nigeria, Africa and all humanity. Although Dora and I had a very spirited contest in 2011 for the Anambra Central Senatorial Seat into the 7th. Senate of the National Assembly, she and I had been friends and very close.
We were schoolmates at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). She was studying Pharmacy, and I, Medicine. Thus, our parts crossed often. Even back then, Dora competed fiercely with her pharmacy contemporaries; and even more with those of us in the Faculty of Medicine. Her husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili, was my senior in Medical School and a respected professional colleague. I had tried to help Dora secure an employment opportunity with the National Drug Enforcement Agency as an Executive.
She was very good friends with my sisters, such that they vacationed together and spent nights at each others house and did female things together. Dora was one of my father’s favorite friend of his children. In essence, I knew Dora beyond the realm of politics and the murky waters of political contests. Our families have been friends, and remain so to this day. She was brilliant as a student; intelligent as a professional; fearlessly brave in life; a hard worker; determined; a good wife, and mother. Dora was a gem of a woman and an amazon of our time. We will all miss her! However, death is an event that comes when it would, and only God understands its mystery.
I pray that the same God that gave her to us, and allowed her to accomplish all that she did while she was here on earth, would also give her family the fortitude to bear this painful loss. May her soul rest in peace, as she sleeps in the better place of the bosom of our Lord. Goodnight, Dora! You came, and we can all attest to your presence here.
Yours truly,
H.E Senator (Dr.) Chris Nwabueze Ngige, OON, MD, KSJ (Onwa)
