The remains of the late Dr Chike Akunyili the husband of the late Professor Dora Akunyili, ex-Minister of Information and former Director-General of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC, have been laid to rest in his compound at Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area.
Correspondent Emmanuel Chigbata who covered the funeral and reports that late Dr Chike Akunyili died painfully at the age of seventy-two and was a successful medical practitioner.
His tragic demise would continue to remain indelible not just to the immediate family and Agulu people in particular, but to Ndi Anambra and Nigerians in general.
The Late Dr Chike Akunyili was gruesomely murdered at Afor-Nkpor in the Idemili North Local Government Area by gunmen after attending a post-humous lecture series and award hosted by an alumni association of the University of Nigeria in memory of the late NAFDAC Director-General at Onitsha.
Late Dr Akunyili’s funeral commenced with a pontifical requiem mass at Madonna Catholic Church Agulu, presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha Most Reverend Valarian Okeke and assisted by four Catholic bishops and other religious.
Governor Wille Obiano who was represented by Head of Service Mr Harry Uduh commiserated with the bereaved family and described the deceased as an international figure, saying the circumstances of his exit was so painful.
Senator Victor Umeh in his tribute recounted the brotherhood and friendship he shared with the deceased, saying his death was a blow to Nigerians, while the Member representing Anaocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka Federal constituency, at the National Assembly Chief Dozie Nwankwo said the deceased was a good man who served humanity.
Earlier in a Homily, Reverend Father Peter Damian who comforted the deceased family said Akunyili’s death was not in vain, but charged government to live up to responsibility of protecting the lives of its citizenry, while Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C Don Adinuba said the deceased was committed to the good of the society, though his death was quite painful.
The children of the deceased, Dr. Edozie Obumneme and Ije Akunyili noted that though their father’s death was painful he lived a glorious and God filled life.
Late Dr Akunyili burial was well attended by people from all walks of life, including Wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr Ebelechukwu Obiano represented by the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mezue, Anambra State Deputy Governor-elect, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Former Governor Peter Obi among other government functionaries.
The Late Dr Chike Akunyili a Papal Knight of Saint Sylvester is survived by children, grandchildren and in-laws.