Nigerian-million-maker of the day (Professor Dora Akunyili)

PROFESSOR DORA AKUNYILI

           Once there is clarity of vision, a demonstrable sincerity of purpose and leadership by personal example, the people follow. This is exactly what “Nigeraian-Million-Makers”  is all about. X-raying the life and times of those who have gone ahead of us and are willing to provide qualitative leadership to the younger generation. This is what Professor (Mrs) Dora Nkem Akunyili has done by her exemplary qualities and leadership roles.

          Born in Markudi on the 14^th of July, 1954 into the family of Chief and Mrs. Paul Young Edemobi who bails from Nanka in Anambra State, Prof. Akunyili married in Agulu, also in Anambra state of Nigeria. She was educated at St. Paatrick’s primary school, Isuofia, Anambra state in 1966 and Queen of the Roseary Secondary School, Nsukka. Her performance in both primary and secondary school earned her Eastern Nigeria Government Post Primary Scholarship and the Federal Government of Nigeria Undergraduate scholarship. She earned B. Pham (Hons.) in 1978 from university of Nigeria, Nsukka. She was a post Doctorate Fellow of University of London and a Fellow of the west African Post Graduate college of Pharmacists.

          Dora first displayed her character in public office in 1997 when she was working for the PTF. She was said to have been given 17,000 pounds for a surgical operation in London, but on further medical investigation it was found that her aliment did not require surgery anymore. By this time, 5,000 pounds had been spent. She simply returned 12, 000 Pounds to the PTF. This single act brought her to be attention 12,000 Pounds to the PTF. This single act brought her to the attention of the PTF authorities in Abuja through Professor chimere Ikoku, former Vice Chancelor of UNN who was on the PTF board. It’s a belief in several quarters that this act of transparency more than any other thing recommended her strongly for the post of NAFDAC Director-General.

          Within four years, Prof. Akunyili (who has authored a book,) presented several papers and written several articles) recorded remarkable successes in reducing fake drugs prevalence in Nigeria from 41 percent to 16 percent, as of 2006, thus saving the lives of thousand of Nigerians. Owing to the efforts of her agency, Nigeria received cheering reports of decline in death rate and kidney failure. The agency achieved 100 percent universal salt iodization, thus making the country the first in Africa to be credited with achieving such feat.

          At a time that the country was rated the second most corrupt nation in the world, she was in the news as having received an award for integrity and transparency from the same organization that detected the colossal case of graft in the country, Transparency International. There is no doubt that the doggedness and determination of Akunyili to stamp out fake drugs in the country has endeared her to many Nigerians who see her as one of the best to have been appointed by the Obasanjo administration.

          Prof. Akunyili, believes Nigeria has the potentials of becoming a great nation if it could eradicate corruption; imbibe the fighting spirit of the Japanese, the determination of the Germans, the attitude of the Chinese and patriotism of Americans. Her contributions which have led to the destruction of counterfeit and substandard products valued for about $ 120milliom, has made it possible for about 12 companies belonging to the health sub-sector, to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), as doing well. The companies are not giving their shareholder sleepless nights any longer as the regulatory environment for their operation continues to improve. Her name alone attracted favor for the needy.

Prof. Akunyili got an award from Silver Bird Communication Nigeraia in 2005 at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Prof. Akunyilis who has led Nigeria out of the nightmare of being a haven for fake and adulterated drugs is perhaps the most decorated Nigerian alive. The New York-based Times magazine recognized her as one of the “heroes of our time” she has been honored with over 390 awards since 1999, for her performance. She was named the first African winner of the famous International Pharmaceutical Federation (IPF) Medal award.

          In February 2006, one hundred and sixty top regulation chief executives of various countries converged in Rome, Italy, to establish the International Medical Products Anti-Counterfeiting Taskforce (IMPACT). The formation was later ratified at the International Conference of Drugs Regulating Authorities (ICDRA), at Seoul, South Korea in April of the same year. On Wednesday, November 15, 2006, Prof. Akunyili, whose hobby includes reading and writing was elected as vice chairman of the body in Von, Germany came closely on the heels of organization. The election in Germany came closely on the heels of her re-election as chairman of West African Drug Regulatory Authorities Network (WADRAN) during an International Conference Held in March, 2006 in Abuja.

          Some Nigerian women also brainstormed, strategized and resolved to adopt professor Akunyili as their presidential flag bearer close to the April 2007 general elections in Nigeria. Though she didn’t contest, but it was an indication of the level of confidence and trust by the public particularly women.

Dora Akunyili is now the Minister of Information and Communication after her meritorious service as the boss of Nigeria Food And Drug Administration (NAFDAC) a tough job where she recorded an unparralled excellence.

She made indelible mark, either seen or unseen in the lives of millions of Nigerians.

Her Positive Side include:

Making honesty a habit no matter the condition or the environment she found herself.

 A sense of purpose in everything she was doing.

Courage in safeguarding the health of the nation, despite resistance from syndicates profiting from fake drugs business. On December, 26, 2003, gunshots were fired at the NAFDAC boss at her country home, Agulu. The assassination attempt failed, but it made her even more credible in the eyes of the public.

She also exibited absolute commitment and care to mankind. Remember a good name is better than silver and gold.