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I still recall with awe the day she paid me an unscheduled visit in my former office at the Defence Headquarters before I was appointed Director Defence Information. I had hardly recovered from the surprise of the way she simply walked in following her aide who led the way when she walked in smiling and asking. “Is it true your daughter wedded and I was not informed?” I quickly refuted the information assuring her that I could never do such a thing without her being a special guest. She was satisfied with my explanation and she took the seat offered her. After exchange of hearty pleasantries, she quickly joined us to do justice to the groundnut we were munching when she came in. After the electrifying conversations with all of us in the office on many issues including “Halleluya diet”, she informed me of her new assignment as member of Presidential Committee on Relief for Flood Victims.
As I saw her off to her car, I noticed she was looking with a particular interest at the walls, the floor tiles and the entire surrounding. Once we were outside she said, “You know, there is need for us to imbibe and uphold the tenets of maintenance culture…”. I then realised why she had focused on the tiles and walls while walking down the staircase. That is vintage Dora Akunyili; down- to-earth, friendly and frank. Unlike many personalities, she does not go about with the airs or high horse common to a woman of substance and calibre that she was.
Professor Akunyili was honoured by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, with a Honorary Fellowship of the institute same day with then Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen AB Dambazau in 2010. After completion of her own investiture ceremony in her office at the Radio House, Professor Akunyili offered to accompany the officials of the institute to the Army Headquarters to help them explain to the COAS, why the event for his own investiture was coming up a bit behind schedule. She went ahead to also participate in the investiture of the COAS.
When called upon to make a remark, she observed that the General had secured a PhD degree dating back for as long as 20 years. She challenged him to do the needful and proceed to be a professor and settle into academics to enhance knowledge for younger generation. The General took that challenge seriously. Today on retirement, General Dambazau is into academics with professorial chair in American University system.
Someday, I bumped into her while we waited to board a flight from Abuja to Enugu. As usual, we had a very exhilarating conversation. As we were boarding, she went to the Business class while I headed to the Economy. At the termination of the flight in Enugu, she waited for me after exiting the aircraft. Then she made fun of me wondering why a General would sneak to fly Economy Class. We had a good laugh over the experience while her husband, Dr Akunyili worked hard to save me with his defence as we all chatted. They both accompanied me and ensured I was in the safe hands of soldiers who came to receive me, before they left the airport at Enugu. The last time I saw Professor Akunyili was on TV as a delegate to the National Conference. I could not believe that gaunt picture I saw of her. I quickly sent her this text message: “How are you doing ma? Seeing you so active at the National Conference is such a great delight. It is so inspiring and reassuring indeed. You have again demonstrated an exemplary act of courage and patriotism. I trust that our God, the great Physician is already perfecting your spirit, soul and body. Be sure I never ceased praying for you. It is well with you, our ever Honourable Prof.”
Very much unlike her, she never replied that text message. That to me, spoke volumes. She had never left my call unanswered or fail to reply my text messages within minutes. I then knew that the ever dependable Prof is really not feeling very strong in body. Nevertheless, I trusted that she was as ever strong in spirit.
