Nigeria: Akunyili Charges Citizens On Patriotism

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Leadership (Abuja)

11 October 2008
Posted to the web 11 October 2008

Winifred Ogbebo

Director–general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Dora Akunyili, has called on Nigerians to show a greater sense of patriotism.

Akunyili, who made this call while receiving the Nigeria Arise award given her by the management of BEN TV London said Nigeria would only achieve its full potentials as a nation if her citizens showed a high level of patriotism.

The Nigeria Arise award is given to Nigerians across the world who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields.

She advised Nigerians to show faith in their country by patronising Nigerian made drugs and food products. She disclosed that a large number of the imported food products are not produced with natural ingredients. Akunyili, who singled out imported fruit juices, said only a few of the companies selling their products to Nigerian traders had orchards where fruits are grown and processed to make fruit juices.

The director–general commended the management of Ben TV led by Alistair Soyode, the chief executive officer of the station, for projecting a positive image of Nigeria through its programmes.

Akunyili, who acknowledged that Nigeria was faced with a myriad of problems, said Nigerians should inculcate the attitude of problem solving as against that of complaining. She said for a developing country like Nigeria to move forward, her people would have to eschew corruption and put the country first.

Earlier on, the BEN TV CEO, who presented the award plaque to the NAFDAC director–general, expressed satisfaction at the level of success achieved by the agency in its fight against the sale and consumption of adulterated drugs.

He said Akunyili had shown that Nigerian women could excel in public office if given the opportunity.

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