Photos: Meet Dora Akunyili’s 6 Children & Read What they Do for a Living

Today was supposed to be her 60th birthday, but sadly the former NAFDAC boss departed this world on June 7th after battling cancer… Meet her 6 children, who are distinguished in their various fields of study;

IJEOMA AKUNYILI Dr. Ijeoma Akunyili is an Emergency Medicine doctor in Houston, Texas. She received her medical degree from University of Maryland School of medicine.

EDOZIE AKUNYILI The first son of the Akunyilis is an Emergency Physician resident in New York.

SOMTO AKUNYILI A University of Chicago-trained medical doctor, she obtained her first degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

NJIDEKA AKUNYILI-CROSBY A world-class artist, she had her first degree at Swarthmore College, Swarthmore before proceeding to Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia for Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. She has an MFA from the Yale University School of Art, New Haven, Connecticut.

CHIDIOGO AKUNYILI Chidiogo had her first degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has a master’s in Economics and International Relations from John Hopkins University, Washington. She is proficient in 6 languages, namely, Igbo, English, Italian, German, French and Chinese.

OBUMNEME AKUNYILI Obumneme graduated from the University of Maryland where he studied Psychology.

Meanwhile her husband Dr. Chike Akunyili, and her children posted a posthumous birthday message on her Facebook page this morning… Find it below; WE MISS YOU, MUMMY -By Chike Akunyili & Children Our darling Dora would have been 60 yesterday (July 14) if she were to be alive But she is no more – felled 37 days ago by the mortal enemy, death, on Saturday, June 7, 2014. Beloved Dora, You had eagerly looked forward to this day But, alas! you never lived to see it. We deeply love you, Mummy It was our wish never to let you go But when death comes, what can we do than to submit to the will of the Almighty? Beloved Dora, We very sincerely admire the decent character in you and those dreams of a golden future for Nigeria For which you were ever ready to sacrifice your life during your days as NAFDAC DG Without good people in politics, good leadership will remain elusive Thus your hunger to make Nigeria a great brand via “Good People, Great Nation”. Your life was an enduring legacy of truth, courage, integrity, love of your country, pursuit of excellence, love of your family and friends, and total devotion to God. Your commitment to any undertaking attained force and vigor that will surely travel through the centuries. You never held back whatever you could do forthe common good. Your numerous good deeds, infectious smiles, peaceful but firm nature, steely personality and motherly love are all unforgettable. No amount of darkness can overpower the candle you lit and raised high for all to see. In pain the children and I accept your exit. He who is love hath called thee home and bade thee thy labour cease. Thou art safe in His eternal love and never ending peace. Dora, lay down thy head on thy Saviour’s breast (as you usually did on mine whenever you were extremely tired). Nigerians all eulogise you and appreciate the numerous trees you planted forfuture generations to enjoy. WE LOVE YOU DEARLY BUT GOD LOVES YOU MORE SLEEP PEACEFULLY IN HIS BOSSOM. PEACE, PERFECT PEACE, DORA THE AMAZON. From Your darling Husband Chike Akunyili And our gems: Ijeoma Edozie Somto Njideka Chidiogo Obumneme