When I heard about Professor Dora Akunyili's death I was stunned. I didn't realize I had loved her so, being hugely inspired by her was a given. I loved her confidence and energy; she had so much and excess to spare.
I remember once when she was interviewed on a night time programme on one of the local National TV stations: there were two male interviewers and she was seated between them on what looked either like a round or an oval table. I recall thinking that the sitting arrangement was done purposefully to box her in and maybe intimidate her a little. It probably wasn't, but, it appeared that way to me. It didn't work. I loved the way she would smile-it was as if she was goading them and saying bring it on' and say "thank you" before answering a rude or particularly intrusive question. They couldn't floor her, she was over prepared and didn't mince words. Very rapid words, I daresay, the very best of rappers would be impressed. In fact the interviewers came out looking so puny and flustered. She was amazing. It's not a wonder in 2006 she was awarded one of the eighteen heroes of our time by Time Magazine- oh and the awards came in torrents- This particular episode has stayed with me for a long time so much so that when I was getting ready for my project defense and my supervisor told me not to keep quiet, no matter the questions thrown at me by the lecturers, I immediately thought of her and that particular interview. She was a great influence. The numerous accolades which she so deserved that where awarded her are a testament of how good can triumph over evil.
When she was the Minister of Information and communication, although a brief stay, she brought the slogan: Nigeria Good People, Great Nation, she worked tirelessly to clean our image which didn't seem like much though,"the dirt that accumulates on the pot that firewood has been fuel for years does not break with ordinary soap"
Then she went into politics.
Now, even though I'm cautious with my emotions towards the political class although I tend to lean more to the side of distrust, I was reticent to mistrust her, I thought that just as she had been able to staunchly bring sanity to the pharmaceutical jungle in the country in just 7 years, she would do same in Anambra state. I don't think I was alone in this believe but alas it wasn't to be as she lost out to Chris Ngige in the senatorial race. Same Ngige who according to baba had come with his mentor another Chris to his office in Abuja and confessed they'd rigged the elections to get him Ngige into office. Err... Isn't it amazing how people commit public crimes in this country and not just go Scot free but also rub it in our faces and continue holding different offices and be revered as kingmakers? One person will be a governor, later a senator, later a minister, later an ambassador and back to governor.... and all the while leaving behind trails of crimes and misdemeanour, yet no one questions him? I've always wondered why we keep recycling the same people and names. Ever since I became conscious I've been hearing the same names in public office and it's not that they were particularly helpful to the people or extraordinary during their tenures. Don't they say "you do not change the winning formula? If this formula hasn't obviously worked, why haven't we changed it? Sigh. Well, back to Mrs Dora. She was extraordinary and made a girl see that it was possible to be as great as you want to be regardless of your gender. Adieu great woman.
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