Lifestyle
Statue of Dora Akunyili: A Monument Honoring Nigeria’s Fearless Reformer
The image shows a statue of Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili, one of Nigeria’s most respected pharmacists, public health advocates, and reformers. The monument stands in Agulu, Anambra State, her hometown, as a lasting tribute to her unwavering fight against counterfeit drugs and her legacy of integrity in public service.
Professor Dora Akunyili was born on July 14, 1954, in Makurdi, Benue State, but hailed from Agulu in Anambra. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Pharmacology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where she also earned her Ph.D. She began her career in academia, serving as a lecturer and later rising to become a senior lecturer at UNN.
Her national prominence began when she was appointed Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in 2001, a role she held until 2008. During her tenure, Akunyili launched an aggressive and unprecedented campaign against the production and distribution of fake and substandard drugs in Nigeria. Her fearless actions — including raids, public education campaigns, and policy reforms — saved countless lives and restored public confidence in Nigeria’s health sector.
Beyond her work at NAFDAC, she also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Communications from 2008 to 2010, where she promoted the “Rebranding Nigeria” project aimed at improving the nation’s global image. Her courage, honesty, and dedication to national service earned her numerous awards both locally and internationally, including the Integrity Award by Transparency International in 2003.
The statue in Agulu was commissioned by her husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili, as a tribute to her life of sacrifice, leadership, and moral strength. The sculpture, created by Sebastine Ugwuoke, captures her dignity and resilience — qualities that defined her public life.
Professor Dora Akunyili passed away on June 7, 2014, in India at the age of 59, after battling cancer. Her death was deeply mourned across Nigeria and beyond, as tributes poured in recognizing her as a woman who stood for truth and fought tirelessly for the good of her country.
Today, her statue in Agulu stands not only as a monument to her memory but also as a reminder of what courageous leadership and integrity can achieve in public service.
Sources:
Premium Times Nigeria: “Statue of Dora Akunyili Unveiled in Agulu” (2015)
NAFDAC Official Website: Biography of Professor Dora Akunyili
The Guardian Nigeria: “Remembering Dora Akunyili: A Legacy of Integrity and Reform” (2024)
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Seun Osewa, born July 17, 1982, is a Nigerian internet entrepreneur best known for creating Nairaland, one of Africa’s most visited online forums. He hails from Ogun State, Nigeria.
He enrolled at Obafemi Awolowo University in 1998 to study Electrical Engineering but did not complete his studies. Before starting Nairaland, he attempted to build a web-hosting business in 2003, which closed after three months due to lack of funds. Determined to succeed, he continued experimenting with online ventures and eventually launched several small discussion forums in late 2003, covering topics such as student life, IT, and the emerging GSM/telecom industry.
In March 2005, Seun officially launched Nairaland as a general-purpose discussion forum designed for Nigerians both at home and abroad. Its wide coverage of politics, entertainment, technology, social issues, romance, and everyday life set it apart from existing platforms. Over the years, Nairaland has attracted millions of users and has been monetised primarily through advertisements and direct ad deals.
Despite the platform’s success, Seun has maintained a low public profile. He is recognised as one of Nigeria’s most influential tech entrepreneurs, yet continues to live quietly, keeping details of his personal life private while running one of the continent’s most impactful online communities.
Update (credit to Mutairu Umoru ):
You forgot to mention that he declined an offer to buy the platform from two different parties:
– Initial Offer: In 2010, some investors offered to buy Nairaland for $1 million, approximately ₦150 million at the time. Seun Osewa turned down this offer.
– Recent Offers: More recently, two individuals have made offers to buy Nairaland:
– Stephen Akintayo: Offered ₦1 billion ($2.4 million), with 20% cash and 80% land.
– Gaius Chibueze (Bitcoin Chief): Offered ₦150 million.
It’s worth noting that Seun Osewa reportedly values Nairaland at ₦25 billion. Today, estimates suggest Nairaland is worth around $50,604,264.32 (₦20.5 billion to ₦25 billion, depending on conversion rates)
Tope Salahudeen
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Lifestyle
PHOTOS: Reactions as one million bibles are to be distributed nationwide in honour of Seyi Tinubu
Nigerians have reacted to reports that one million copies of the Holy Bible are to be distributed across Nigeria in honour of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The announcement was made during a thanksgiving service held on Sunday, October 12, at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
Organisers said the Bibles would be shared through churches and community groups nationwide to promote “moral renewal, ethical leadership, and civic responsibility among young Nigerians.”
The first set of Bibles, which will be distributed to churches, schools, and youth ministries nationwide in the coming weeks, were presented during the service.
The thanksgiving service also held simultaneously in about 40 churches across the country.
In a message read on his behalf, Seyi Tinubu expressed appreciation to the organisers.
Nigerians have gone on X to react to the initiative.
See below.
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