Dr Chike Akunyili, just like other prominent personalities successfully attended the inaugural memorial lecture of Professor Dora Akunyili, his beloved late wife held on 28th September, 2021 at Sharon Hall, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha which was organized by University Of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association (Onitsha Branch).
His son, Obumneme Akunyili, Director – General, Project Management & Monitoring Office, Anambra State Government, was equally in attendance. Dr. Akunyili was so delighted at honour being bestowed to his late wife. He captivated the audience with amiable narration of his wife’s legacy of integrity and encouraged everyone to emulate the just and modest life which Prof Dora Akunyili lived. He applauded the Association for deservedly immortalising the good name of Dora Akunyili by this august lecture series and the post humous award, and on behalf of his family pledged monetary and publication supports.
The event came to a successful end at about 4.30pm. Obumneme and his father Chike embraced passionately as the President, Bar Elizabeth Anyaonu and other members saw them off to their cars for departure.
The executive council and members of UNAA Onitsha branch are therefore shocked to the marrow and grieved by this sudden turn of event leading to the brutal murder of our guest of honour, a son of the soil, on the street at Nkpor few moments after leaving the event by unidentified gunmen. It’s sad and unbelievable that the hoodlums operated throughout Anambra State on killing sprees from dawn to dusk unchallenged.
We view the dastardly killers of Dr. Akunyili as having committed a crime against humanity and call on the relevant authorities to fish out these killers to face justice. For when celebration of excellence is discouraged, then the opposite is encouraged. Things fall apart when honour is no longer at the centre of human society. UNAA is always committed to the promotion of excellence and sanctity of human life.
May the souls of Sir. Dr. Chike and Lady Prof. Dora Akunyili, and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Signed
DONNIA AGBO
PRO
University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association (Onitsha Branch)