Former NAFDAC DG, Mrs. Dorothy Nkemdilim Akunyili, is dead. The no-nonsense woman who later became Nigeria’s Minister of Information (in the early days of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration) died in the early hours of Saturday, May 7, 2014. This was at an Indian hospital where she was allegedly undergoing treatment for a kidney-related ailment. Aged 59, the mother of six (Ijeoma, Edozie, Somto, Njideka, Chidiogo and Obumneme) lost a senatorial election (Anambra Central) in her home state of Anambra to Dr. Chris Ngige soon after stepping aside from Jonathan’s cabinet. Married to Chike, a medical doctor from Agulu, she was originally from Nanka. Mrs. Akunyili who had gone down drastically before death came calling single-handedly turned around the fortunes of NAFDAC during her tenure – and in appreciation, Nigerians, old and young, rich and poor, made her their hero. A pharmacist by training, she was quite close to EMZOR Pharmaceuticals boss, Mrs. Stella Okoli. Born on July 14, 1954 in Makurdi, Benue State, she attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, Isuofia, Anambra, Queen of the Rosary Secondary School, Nsukka, Enugu and the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Her first degree was in 1978 and her PhD in 1985, both from the same university. Loved and respected at home and abroad, she was a member of the on-going National Conference in Abuja. It was actually at the conference that many got to know that she was terminally ill. Among those that visited her last was the former Governor of Anambra, Mr. Peter Obi and some of his in-laws and family members. Her loving husband was also by her side all through her last days.