Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has expressed shock over the death, this morning in an Indian hospital, of immediate past Minister of Information, Professor Dora Akunyili, who would have turned 60 on July 14.

“Prof. Akunyili was a big asset to the nation, and she proved her mettle in all the national assignments given to her. Her death at this time, in our national life is unfortunate because it came at a time, the nation needs the services of people like her most,” Okorocha said in a statement issued in Owerri by his Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo.

According to Governor Okorocha, “Having served Nigeria diligently and selflessly, the nation should find a way of appreciating her at death. The governor described the late Professor Akunyili as an illustrious Igbo daughter and patriotic Nigerian who immensely contributed her quota to the nation’s development and growth.”

He prayed that God should grant her soul eternal rest, and grant her family, divine consolation.

•Photo shows late Prof. Dora Akunyili.