Today, July 14, 2023, would have been the 69th birthday of Dora Akunyili, a Nigerian pharmacist, medical doctor, and anti-corruption campaigner.
The vibrant woman who died on June 7, 2014, after a two-year battle with uterine cancer, was born in 1954 in Anambra State, Nigeria. She studied pharmacy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and then went on to earn a doctorate in pharmaceutical chemistry from the University of London.
After working as a pharmacist for several years, Akunyili entered politics in 1999. She was elected to the Nigerian Senate, where she served as the chairman of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
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In her role at NAFDAC, Akunyili led a crackdown on counterfeit and substandard drugs in Nigeria. She also worked to improve the agency’s enforcement of food safety regulations.
Akunyili’s work at NAFDAC made her a national hero. She was credited with saving millions of lives by preventing the circulation of fake drugs. She was also awarded the World Health Organization’s highest honour, the World Health Day Award, in 2005.
In addition to her work at NAFDAC, Akunyili was also a vocal advocate for women’s rights.
Akunyili was a force for good in Nigeria. She was a dedicated public servant who fought corruption and improved the lives of millions of people. She is remembered as a national icon and a role model for women and girls everywhere.
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Dora Akunyili was a remarkable woman who made a lasting impact on Nigeria and the world. Her legacy will continue to inspire people for generations to come.
