Edozie Akunyili, the son of the late Dora Akunyili, former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), expressed his dismay over the sacrifices his family made for Nigeria, questioning their value in light of the prevalence of counterfeit consumer goods.
Edozie shared his sentiments in response to discussions on X, expressing concern about the impact of fake products on the Nigerian market. Users reminisced about Dora Akunyili’s efforts in safeguarding consumers against counterfeit goods.
One user mentioned the burning of Dora Akunyili’s house and office on the same day, highlighting her resilience in the face of adversity. Another user lamented the lack of justice for the Akunyili family, referring to the attempted murder of Dora Akunyili and the subsequent death of her husband.
Edozie Akunyili joined the conversation, acknowledging the sacrifices his family made for Nigeria. He expressed regret over losing his mother, particularly when faced with the prevailing corruption and impunity in the country. Edozie emphasized that his mother, dedicated to her work at NAFDAC, postponed necessary medical procedures, leading to her tragic death from cancer.
In reflection, Edozie questioned whether the sacrifices were worth it, considering the challenges Nigeria still faces. He expressed pain over the loss of his mother and the perceived lack of positive change in the country, stating, “When I see all the lies, corruption and dirty politics, it pains me that we lost our mother for nothing! Was it worth it?”
Dora Akunyili passed away on June 7, 2014, after a two-year battle with uterine cancer. Her husband, Chike Akunyili, was killed on September 28, 2021, in Anambra State. The Akunyili family’s reflections shed light on the challenges and sacrifices associated with efforts to combat counterfeiting and promote public safety in Nigeria.
