Former director general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dora Akunyili, has died in a Specialist Cancer hospital in India on Saturday morning.

This was confirmed in a statement by former Anambra state Governor, Peter Obi, on behalf of her family.

Born on July 14, 1954 in Makurdi, Benue State, Akunyili, became famous for her role in raising awareness against the distribution of fake drugs and foods in the country through the NAFDAC, with her experience as a trained pharmacist.

She was also minister of Information and Communications between 2008-2010, after which she resigned to run for election as senator for Anambra Central on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in April 2011 but was defeated by Chris Ngige of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN.

In spite of her illness, she was unwavering in her belief in a better Nigeria and she defied her condition to attend early sessions of the National Conference as a delegate before her illness forced her to seek treatment abroad.