Delta state Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, has noted with great pain the sudden demise of Professor Dora Akunyili, former Information Minister describing her as a woman with uncommon courage.

Reacting to the news of Professor Akunyili’s death, the Governor in a statement issued by Mr Felix Ofou, his Press Secret‎ary also described the former Minister as a “dogged fighter” who battled fake drug syndrome to a stand still.

In particular, Uduaghan recalled the glory days of “Dora” as she was fondly called, at the National Agency for Foods‎ Administration And Control (NAFDAC) where she served as its Director-General.

Said he: “Professor Akunyili was a thorn in the flesh of fake drug barons and fought fearlessly to exterminate fake drug syndrome from the soc‎iety while ensuring that the country is not made a dumping ground by criminals engaged in nefarious activities “.

The governor praised the former NAFDAC DG for further accepting to serve as minister and until her death as a delegate to the ongoing National Conference in Abuja, pointing out that it was a reflection of the patriotism innate in her.

While expressing deep condolences to her husband, children and people of Anambra State, he subsequently asked God to grant all fortitude to bear the painful loss.

Recall that former Minister of Information, Professor Dora Akunyili, died while receiving treatment in an Indian Hospital after battling with an undisclosed ailment suspected to be cancer.

Akunyili, a former Director-General of the National Agency For Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and until her death a delegate to the ongoing National Conference in Abuja died at the aged of 59.

Her spokesman, Isaac Umunna, expressed surprise at the development.

Among dignitaries that had visited her in India was the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi.

Akuyili would be remembered for the war she waged against fake drugs while at the helms of affairs at NAFDAC.