Read Late Dora Akunyili's Last Public Speech At The National Confab

Late delegate of the ongoing National Conference, representing Anambra state, Professor Dora Akunyili, has delivered a flaming speech at the event. Read the powerful text below.

* Dora Akunjili's speech. Snapshot from a video
In the beginning of her speech she was offered to take a sit due to health condition, but Dora refused and insisted to make her address standing.
First of all, she started with commending President Goodluck Jonathan for having a courage to convene the event, and then switched to the main part of her message:

Nigerians have for long clamoured for an opportunity such as this to discuss our problems and come up with solutions that will strengthen the bond of our nationhood. I regard this national conference as President Jonathan's best centenary gift to Nigerians, and a proof that he is a listening president.
Mr. President's speech oozes humility, modesty, patriotism and a deep concern for the present and future of this beautiful country, Nigeria. Mr President in that speech admitted that sovereignty belongs to the people. And those in authority are only holding power on trust for the people and of course that nobody has monopoly of knowledge. Hence, the decision for convening this conference. One thing that stands out from Mr President's speech is that there is no trace of negativism.
For instance, he made it clear that Nigeria's unity is not negotiable and our duty at this conference is to discuss ways to build a stronger and better Nigeria, and I totally agree with him.
I am convinced that Nigeria should remain as one nation after 100 years despite her challenges because our common values overwhelm our differences.
Apart from our long history of togetherness, we've also enjoyed many decades of inter-marriages and mutual co-existence. We have to make sure that this conference delivers on the true spirit of Mr President's speech.
While we discuss the value of unity as written in his speech, we must realize that millions of Nigerians are being discriminated against in various parts of this country where they are born; where their forefathers lived; based on the so-called state of origin.
The founding fathers of Nigeria had a dream of building a united, prosperous, and developed nation state where social justice reigns. We also have to continue to dream because once we stopped dreaming then life is gone.
In conclusion, I am convinced that Nigeria will work and fulfil its destiny.
I therefore look forward to collaborating with other delegates to chart the way for a better a new Nigeria. We all want to see a positively transformed Nigeria and I therefore urge all of us to work individually and collectively so as to set the right agenda for the Nigeria of our dream.
Mr Chairman, distinguished delegates, I leave you with the words of these Greek proverb "A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in."

It would be recalled that a former Director General of the NAFDAC and ex minister of Information Professor Dora Akunyili passed away on June 7, 2014, at the age of 59. She lost two-year-long battle with cancer. (Naij.com)

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