Nigerians Defy Heavy Rain To Pay Last Respect To Late Prof. Akunyili

Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

To demonstrate their love as well as pay last respect to Nigeria’s late ex-minister of Information, professor Dora Akunyili, scores of Nigerians from different walks of life on Saturday defied a heavy downpour to attend the deceased wake-keep in Enugu.

Late ex-minister of Information, professor Dora Akunyili,

Present at the event were, Enugu state Governor, Sullivan Chime, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Chuks Ugwoke, and the Chief of Staff to the governor, Mrs Ifeoma Nwobodo.

Others were the State Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Cornelus Nnaji and members of the state’s Executive Council.

Also in attendance was renowned Actor, Pete Edochie, and captains of industry in Enugu State and Anambra.

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

His words: “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,” the Cleric noted.

In his remarks, husband of the deceased, Dr Chike Akunyili, expressed appreciation to 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.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, a church service would be conducted on 27 August, 2014 by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga in her honour.