President Goodluck Jonathan has described immediate past Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, former as “a distinguished citizen and patriot” who would be greatly missed.

The Nigerian leader said he received the news of Akunyili’s death, yesterday in India a month to her 60^th birthday, with “shock and sadness.”

“The President believes that Professor Akunyili will live long in the memories of those who were privileged to know her as a diligent professional, a public-spirited and forthright public officer, and as a person of great convictions,” Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Reuben Abati, said in a statement issued later yesterday in Abuja, adding:

“President Jonathan considers her contributions to nation-building while she served as the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and as Minister of Information and Communications, particularly invaluable.

“The President states that it is sad that her death has come at a time she was making further efforts to help sustain and strengthen the unity and stability of the country in her capacity as a member of the on-going National Conference. Without any doubt, she will be greatly missed.

President Jonathan commiserates with the Akunyili family, the government and people of Anambra State, members of the National Conference and all her loved ones.

“He prays that the Almighty in His infinite mercies will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of this truly distinguished citizen and patriot.”

•Photo shows late Prof. Akunyili.