Immediate past Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, has dismissed rumours making the rounds that she is hospitalised in the U.S. and that there is anxiety over the state of her health. The rumour was sparked by a report in today’s edition of Saturday Independent but Akunyili in a statement by her SA Media, Isaac Umunna, said there was no substance to it.

“This story is false, misleading and raises unnecessary anxiety about Prof. Akunyili’s sate of health,” the statement said, adding:

“The reporter claims that Prof. Akunyili is hospitalised in the U.S. without providing any proof. He went ahead to publish that the celebrated former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is hospitalised despite information to the contrary given to him by Prof. Akunyili’s husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili.

“For the record, Prof. Akunyili is not hospitalised and there is no anxiety whatsoever over her state of health. It is true that she was sick LAST YEAR but she is well now. She is currently visiting her children in the U.S. and is living an active life.

“Contrary to the claim by the reporter that she has not appeared in public for long, Prof. Akunyili attended last Saturday’s Reception for Anambra Governor-elect, Chief Willie Obiano, organised by USAfrica in collaboration with Anambra Communities in the Diaspora at Hilton Westchase Towers, Hilton, Texas, USA. Prof. Akunyili’s presence at the Reception was well reported, especially online.

“The story on Prof. Akunyili’s alleged sickness, therefore, lacks substance. It should be disregarded by the public.”

•Photo shows Prof. Dora Akunyili.