The mass was held at Our Lady Queen Pro Cathedral, Area 3 in Garki, Abuja was also attended by a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon.

Other dignitaries who attended the mass included members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and members of the National Assembly.

Also in attendance were former ministers, former governors Peter Odili and Peter Obi of Rivers and Anambra, as well as the APGA Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the widower, Dr John Akunyili, and the children of the deceased led the casket conveying her body into the church.

The late Akunyili served as Minister of Information and Communication in the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua and President Jonathan.

Prior to her appointment as a minister, the late Akunyili served as the Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Akunyili died on June 17, few weeks to her 60th birthday, after a protracted battle with cancer.

NAN