Former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili, has been honoured with the ‘2013 Healthcare Foundation Leadership Award’ in the United States, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
The award organised by the Hackensack University Health Network in New Jersey, in collaboration with a US-based firm with the Nigerian Healthcare Foundation, took place at the 8th Annual Faces of Hope Banquet on Saturday.
Also, Dr. Ambrose Mgbako, a US-based Psychiatrist, was honoured with the 2013 ‘Legacy Humanitarian Award’.
Presenting the award, the Chairman of Hackensack University Medical Centre, Dr. Jeffrey Boscamp, commended the former Director-General of the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for her industry and commitment to honesty, transparency and selfless service.
He noted that Akunyili’s immense contribution to the fight against fake medicine in Nigeria and West African sub-region would always be remembered, particularly her visionary leadership in health care.
“Akunyili has received more than 600 awards and recognition locally and internationally,” Boscamp stressed.
Akunyili said she regarded the award as special because it came more than four years after she had left office as the DG.
She said, “With this award, I am encouraged and motivated to work even harder not only in contributing to the fight against counterfeit medicine but also in the development of our dear country Nigeria.
“For me to be honoured here today proves that Nigerians, not only at home but also in the Diaspora, continue to appreciate my contribution in the fight against counterfeit medicine.”
