Nigeria’s former information minister and Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Dora Akunyili, has passed on according to family sources.

Dr. Akunyili, 59, who made her mark both in Nigeria and internationally for her fiery stance against fake drugs, as DG of the national Drug Law Enforcement Agency, died in an India Hospital, in Bangalore where she has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment, according to reports

Nigeria’s former Aviation Minister Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, who was also Special Adviser on Public Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo conveyed his condolence message on social media platforms,  Twitter and Face Book, confirming news of her death early Saturday.

Dora Akunyili: Different phases of life

‘”May the soul of my dear Sister Dora Akunyili rest in peace. She was a woman of integrity with immense courage and strength. We shall miss her “, said Fani-Kayode who also served as Special Adviser on Public Affairs to President Obasanjo.

Mr. Isaac Umuna, Media spokesman, to Dr. Akunyili has not  issued a statement on her death.

News of Akunyili’s death had made the rounds earlier on April 16, but the rumour was swiftly refuted by Mr. Umunna through Dora’s Facebook The page.

Presidency is also yet to issue a statement on the late Akunyili, who remained vocal in her last assignment as a delegate at the ongoing National Constitutional Conference.

Shocked by Dr. Akunyili’s sickly appearance at the National Conference- she had remained out of public glare until then- some Nigeria advocacy groups had sensitized Nigerians to pray specially to save Akunyili owing to her immense contributions in the war against fake and expired foods and drugs.