The death of the former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) is no doubt a misfortune and a great loss to Nigeria. The news of Dora Akunyili's death hit the nation like a thunderbolt on Saturday morning amidst sighs of sorrow, and sympathizers have since begun to commiserate with the deceased's family on social media and other viable platforms. When the rumours had it weeks back that the former food administration executive was feared dead, fans and well wishers on the social media prayed and wished the country would never miss such a fortune at a trying and difficult time as this. Alas, the unwanted news was let open. Dr. Dora Akunyili was dead.
Mrs. Akunyili is considered as Nigeria's most effective drugs and food administration executive. As the first NAFDAC boss, she carried out sweeping reforms that helped Nigeria put a strong defence against fake drugs and food products. Popularly known as 'The Amazon', Professor Dora Akunyili was a first class patriot who deeply loved Nigeria and served the country with all she had irrespective of whatever risks were involved in doing so.
From December 2008-2010, she worked as the Honouarble Minister of Information and Communication, Federal Republic of Nigeria. As the Minister, Prof. Akunyili anchored the Re-branding Nigeria Project driven by the slogan “Nigeria: Good People, Great Nation”. The programme was concerned as an internal process to address Nigeria's negative image both at home and abroad.
Dora has proven to be versatile in all areas of human endeavour. Away from these, her motherly role in the society, exemplary lifestyle, doctrines and principles, stood her out in a world of moral degeneration social indecent conformity.
She died four weeks after she was flown to India for further treatment, following ongoing treatment in Abuja, where she was participating in the National Conference.
News has revealed that the former NAFDAC boss died as a result of misdiagnosis of cancer. Akunyili then 44, decided to travel to the United States, first to get a second opinion and then undergo the prescribed surgery. During pre-surgery check-up in the US, the doctors told her the Nigerian doctors had made a wrong diagnosis. It was said to be a minor issue that medication would solve.
Meanwhile, Akunyili always went abroad for check-ups and she was always given all-clear. She continued to look robust and energetic and took up another job as Minister of Information and Communications. But on July 13th 2013, as she was preparing to travel to the United States to receive an award, she fell ill. She was physically weak and having pains but went ahead with the trip. The following day was her 59th birthday. While there, new checks were carried out and alas, it was cancer. The original diagnosis in 1998 was right. But the diagnosis at the point of the surgery was wrong. She became seriously ill and there were fears she could lose her life. She was in the hospital for months and only returned to Nigeria this year when the doctors said she was improving. Her last public appearance was at the National Conference in Abuja where she was a delegate. Pictures of a frail-looking Akunyili soon went viral on the internet. The type of cancer could not be ascertained. Several reports pinpoints cervical and some claim it is ovarian.
Globally, cervical cancer is the second and fifth deadliest cancer in women, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Perhaps what is most painful in this story is the fact the former NAFDAC boss was misdiagnosed of a disease one would term 'cheap' for a woman of her standing. Perhaps, we would have endured the news if the sickness was one totally strange from what we know of already. The term 'misdiagnoses' itself sends a number of thoughts running down the minds of people. What could have warranted a misdiagnoses on former NAFDAC director? Could it be incompetency? Lack of proficiency? Or were the doctors on duty amateurs? Can anyone explain why Dora Akunyili had to die of Cancer in a country where campaigns against cancer are mounted daily? Are our drugs sure? Is something not wrong with Nigeria?
It is indeed sarcastic that the ill Dora fought to wipe off the medical scene has hunted her. The cause for which she agitated has bounced back hard on her. Perhaps our 'Amazon' would not have died if a right diagnosis had been carried on her. She would have lived to see more years of the Good Nigeria she dreamed of but alas, she died. This incident, we must all know has placed Nigeria on a hot seat. If Dora can die of a disease as 'cheap' as cancer which is being discussed every day in the media, what then is the fate of others? And if our doctors could misdiagnose Mrs. Akunyili, how secured and sure are we of the drugs and medications we receive daily from our medical administrators? When will Nigeria come to terms with the number of challenges springing up to terminate her economical growth?
While it is true that no real achievement comes without a sacrifice, Mrs. Dora lived and died for a cause that would remain green in Nigeria's history. She may have died but Nigeria will never recover from the shock and vacancy of her presence. But there is no point crying. We killed our own with our hands. We must arise and re-effect the good changes we desire else, we will end up killing ourselves with devices more dangerous than bombs and guns.
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