From Ifeoma Ejiofor
It was a colourful event as students resident in Prof. Dora Akunyili Hostel held al ceremony in celebration of the life and ideals of Nigeria’s former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). late Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili.
The event attracted university administrators, legal practitioners, students and other distinguished guests, all of whom paid glowing tributes to the late icon, describing her as an enduring symbol of integrity, courage, excellence and selfless leadership.
in his welcome address, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ikechukwu Uboji, said the annual celebration was designed not only to preserve Prof. Akunyili’s memory but also to inspire young people to embrace the values that defined her remarkable public service.
According to him, her unwavering commitment to truth, professionalism, patriotism and accountability remains a guiding light for future leaders. He urged students to reflect those values in their academic pursuits, leadership responsibilities and everyday lives.
Representing the Registrar of the university, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke, Mrs. Ilozue Perpetual Ngozi commended the female students for sustaining an initiative that celebrates character, integrity and service above personal status.
She described Prof. Akunyili as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished public servants and an outstanding ambassador whose legacy continues to inspire excellence across generations.
In an emotional tribute, the son of the late Prof. Dora Akunyili and Director of Project Monitoring Department, Anambra State Government, Hon. Obumneme Akunyili, expressed profound appreciation to the university community for keeping his mother’s memory alive through the annual celebration.
He described the gesture as a powerful reminder that a life devoted to humanity never fades, recalling his mother’s unwavering faith, resilience, discipline and uncompromising dedication to national service.
According to him, her greatest achievements were rooted not in the public offices she occupied but in the enduring values she demonstrated throughout her lifetime.
He challenged the students to make integrity, diligence, compassion and excellence the foundation of their lives, stressing that genuine success is measured not by wealth or position but by the positive impact one makes on society.
Speaking on behalf of one of the award recipients at the occasion, Barr. Austin Akonam Ogbonna (Okoludo), APC aspirant for the Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Mr. Nweke Emanuel Ebuka described the recognition as a call to greater responsibility rather than a celebration of personal accomplishment.
Barr. Obinna Henry Ogugua, Labour Party candidate for Awka South I Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly election, Dr Nkem Okeke, the Executive Director of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) and other speakers expressed confidence that Prof. Dora Akunyili’s legacy would continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to pursue excellence with integrity and lead with courage.
