Enugu – Gov. Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has expressed shock and sadness over the death of former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili.

Chime in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Chukwudi Achife in Enugu on Saturday described it as “a serious blow to the nation”.

“Professor Akunyili’s death has robbed the nation of one of her finest breed of patriots.

“She was a towering Amazon of excellence whose public service record was as exemplary as it was inspiring.

“She epitomised the rare values of integrity, diligence, dedication, courage and selflessness in the various capacities that she served the nation,’’ Chime said.

The governor noted that even in her last days, Akunyili underscored her undying love for the nation by defying her pains to serve as a delegate to the national conference.

He extended his condolences to the family and relations of the deceased assuring them that the people of the state shared their sorrows and grief over the sad development.

In Abeokuta, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun described the late former Information Minister, Prof. Dora Akunyili as an Amazon.

This is contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama on Saturday in Abeokuta.

Amosun expressed shock and disbelief at the news of the demise of the one time director general of the NAFDAC at the age of 59.

He noted that Akunyili deserved a special mention among nation builders in Nigeria.

The governor said the death of the foremost Professor of Pharmacy was lamentable, especially when her wealth of experience was mostly needed at the ongoing national conference, where she was a delegate.

“Knowing her, she would have done her best, yet again to chart the way forward for Nigeria at the National Conference. She has certainly left her footprints on the sands of time,” the governor said.

Amosun commiserated with the family of the deceased, the nation in general and Anambra state in particular, where the late professor hailed from.

He prayed to the almighty God to grant her soul eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

In her reaction, the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking on Women and Children, Dr Joy Ezeilo said the womenfolk had lost an “extraordinary trail blazer and inspiring woman of courage”.

Ezeilo told NAN that the country would miss her vibrancy, courage and leadership.

She extended her sympathy to her husband, Chike who stood by her throughout her period of ill health.

The Enugu State President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Dr Rita Ngwu said the former information minister and director general of NAFDAC spent her life serving humanity.

Ngwu described her as a “quintessential personality who inspired a lot of women to greater height.”

“Dora saved many lives as DG of NAFDAC. She will be greatly missed,” she said.

NAN reports that Akunyili died on Saturday at the age of 59 after battling with cancer for two years.

– NAN