Italy honours Akunyili

By Our Reporter - 03.12.2007

DIRECTOR General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Dora Akunyili, was at the weekend honoured by the Italian government as one of the four top world class women achievers.

Prof. Akunyili and three other women emerged finalists for the 2007 International Woman of the Year Award at a colourful International Women Conference held at Grand Hotel, Brillia, in the city of Saint-Vincent, Italy.

Her emergence as a finalist for the coveted award did not come easy as she was selected by a panel of international jurists from 40 notable women achievers nominated from various countries in Europe, America, Asia, Latin, America and Africa.

The three other finalists of the 2007 International Women of the year Award were Prof. (Mrs.) Salma Hadad of Iraq, Dr. Ayesh Nayla of Palestine and Mrs. Lily Traubmann of Israel.

In view of their relentless struggle, personal sacrifices and contribution to the search for lasting peace in their countries, the jurists announced Dr. (Mrs.) Nayla and Mrs Traubmann as joint winner of the 2007 International Women of the year award at the close of the conference.

President of the Italian Regional Council of Aosta Valley, Mr. Eggon Peron, who presented trophies to Prof. Akunyili and other finalists, said the annual award was initiated 10 years ago by the Regional Council of Aosta Valley in collaboration with the International Soroptomist Club and two other NGOs, to honour women achievers who dedicated their lives to humanitarian works, fight against injustice, dictatorship, corruption and other societal vices.

He disclosed that Professor Akunyili was honoured because of her relentless fight against fake drugs and selfless efforts to save lives.

Earlier, the vice president of the European Parliament Mrs. Luisa Morgantini, who was the special guest of honour at the ceremony, commended the NAFDAC director general for her “dedication, courage, transparency and relentless drive in the course of protecting and saving innocent lives at a great cost to her life.”