Nigerians defy downpour to honour late Dora Akunyili in Enugu

Many Nigerians from different walks of life on Friday defied the downpour in Enugu State to attend the wake-keep of a former Minister of Information, the late Prof. Dora Akunyili.

Among these were Gov. Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Chuks Ugwoke, and the Chief of Staff to the governor, Mrs Ifeoma Nwobodo.

Others are the State Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, and members of the state’s Executive Council.

Also in attendance were a renowned actor, Mr Pete Edochie, and captains of industry in Enugu State and Anambra.

In a sermon, Rev. Fr. Godswill Ibekwe of the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Enugu called on Christians to reflect on their lives to be able to make heaven in the event of death.

He said, “Today, we have come to honour our sister, Prof. Dora Akunyili. She lived a humble, courageous and God-fearing life.

“We pray God to accept her soul in His bosom. We as Christians should reflect on our lives, repent and accept Christ as our Lord and saviour.

“Dora was a woman to reckon with. A good Nigerian to the core.”

Speaking at the wake-keep, the husband of the deceased, Dr Chike Akunyili, commended President Goodluck Jonathan and other Nigerians for their solidarity throughout the demise of the former Information Minister.

He described his late wife as a courageous, worthy and kind-hearted woman who fought for the interest of the country.

He said, “If every Nigerian can possess Dora’s character in every of their endeavour, this country will be good. She touched many lives in this country and beyond.

“We lived together for 36 years and I enjoyed every bit of it because she was straightforward and humble.”

Akunyili disclosed that the body of the deceased would arrive at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu on August 26.
He urged the citizens of the state and religious leaders to attend in order to honour the late Prof. Dora.

A mass would be conducted on August 27 by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Rev. Callistus Onaga, to honour her.

NAN