Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, was in Agulu in Anaocha LGA of Anambra State on Thursday, November 25 2021, to pay his last respects to a prominent son of Anambra, the late Dr Chike Akunyili.
A celebrated medical doctor, Dr. Chike Akunyili was the husband of late Prof Dora Akunyili, a former Nigerian information minister and boss of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Dr Akunyili was the founder of the famous St Leo Hospital in Enugu. He was murdered on September 28, 2021, by gunmen at Umuoji in Idemili North LGA in Anambra State. He was returning from Onitsha, where he had received an award on behalf of his iconic late wife.
Ozigbo roundly condemned the killing, which was one in a wave of violence preceding the November elections. “Indeed, all of Ndi Anambra and my family are shaken by the unimaginable violence, which took the life of our illustrious son, Dr Chike Akunyili, the husband of our iconic daughter, the late Professor Dora Akunyili. I call for the end of the dehumanisation of my people, and any people for that matter. Everyone deserves to live in dignity and die with dignity,” Ozigbo wrote in his October 1 message.
While speaking to journalists at the funeral ceremony held in his county home in Agulu, Mr Ozigbo eulogised the late Dr Akunyili, describing him as “a kind gentleman who has greatly impacted the lives of thousands through his medical practice”.
“I am here to condole with the Akunyili family as they say goodbye to a father, mentor, and leader,” the respected business mogul said.
“While we are sad over the circumstances surrounding Dr Akunyili’s demise, we are comforted that he lived a life of legacy and would be remembered forever for positively touching lives.
“I want to particularly encourage Dr Akunyili’s children to remain firm and carry on the legacy of their iconic parents.
“I also pray that God confronts the bereaved and grants the deceased a peaceful repose,” Ozigbo added.
The funeral ceremony was attended by several notable personalities, including a former Governor of Anambra State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vice Presidential candidate in the 2019 general election, His Excellency Peter Obi.