The body of a former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja late on Wednesday and was received by members of her family and political associates.
The reception team was led by the immediate-past Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who assured that the former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control would be given a burial befitting of 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 belonging to the Nigerian-Turkish Nizamiye Hospital.
Obi said a burial programme would be drawn up soon, assuring that several stakeholders would make their input to the programme in close collaboration with the Akunyili 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 joined Obi at the airport to receive her body included a former Aso Rock Chaplain, Rev. Williams Okoye; Mr. Chidi Agbapu, Ejike Imoka, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, Chuma Nzeribe, and Chinwendu Iloh, among many other admirers and well-wishers.
Akunyili died in the Indian Specialist Cancer Hospital on Saturday, June 7, after a two-year battle with cancer.
Source: Punch
