Port Harcourt Readers Honour Akunyili, Extol Her Qualities

The reading community in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital turned out in full on March 29 at Alliance Francais to honour one of Nigeria’s iconic women, Prof. Dora Akunyili, who made a name fighting fake and adulterated drugs in Nigeria.
The occasion was the public reading of I Am Because We Are, a biography of Prof. Akunyili written by her daughter, Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr at the First Quarter August Meeting hosted by Mr. Kingsley Wali, who is also the convener of the Education Champions League.
Eme Ekekwe, a professor of political science, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Education Champions League, said though the book talked about the old teaching the young, it was sad to note that in Nigeria, the old had abdicated their natural role of teaching values to the young.
He said people should start early to build confidence in themselves, imbibe the culture of critical thinking and learn comprehension. “We have to learn how to start and how to stand each time we fall,” he said.
The book according to Chidiogo, who joined the reading session via Zoom, was said she wrote the book because her mother inspired and saved lives. “And I wanted us to remember. I wanted us to know what it is to put one’s life on the line for the community. What is that single act for you? Do you understand that you matter?” Chidiogo asked.
There was a special presentation by 10-year-old Delight Moses, who inspired the audience with her skills in reading, writing and public speaking.
Delight who revealed that she has read over 200 books, said, “Reading from an early age builds the quality of your critical thinking; it opens opportunities.”
The book reviewer, Mr. Karibi George, said I Am Because We Are said, “The story of Dora Akunyili invites you to know and appreciate how an extraordinary public officer was forged” and how “it takes an entire village to raise a child.” Quoting Dora Akunyili, George said, “You can change the world from anywhere.”