25th March, 2014
Professor Dora Akunyili, the former strong woman of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration Agency caused a stir when she appeared at the National Judicial Institute venue of the ongoing national conference in Abuja on Monday looking very pale and emaciated, a far cry from her usual vivacious self.
Many delegates could not recognise her at first glance as they were shocked by her almost ghoulish appearance.
Dora who also served as Information Minister and who was a failed senatorial candidate in her native Anambra state, had to introduce herself to some of the delegates who found it hard to recognise her.
She debunked earlier reports that she would miss the confab because of her illness.
On her facebook page on Tuesday, the former Iron Lady who as NAFDAC DG gave drug counterfeiters hell and whose tenure was globally celebrated for the clean up of the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry admitted that she has been ill: “I just came out of a major sickness, for which I thank Almighty God for delivering me. I know that God did that for a purpose.
“I am well now but only need time to put on more weight. However, I am strong enough for this Conference and I look forward to collaborating with other delegates to chart the way for a better Nigeria,” added the former Minister who is also one of the few Ministers who spoke up against the cabal that was playing dangerous games with the country when late President Umaru Yar’ Adua was sick.
She resigned from the cabinet of President Jonathan who succeeded Yar’Adua to contest Senatorial position in Anambra, her home State under the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance, but she lost the election to Dr. Chris Ngige of the APC.
Whatever happened to Dora?
.Story and photos by Femi Ipaye