I Am Because We Are

An African Mother’s Fight for the Soul of a Nation

By: Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr

Narrated by: Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr

In this innovative and intimate memoir, a daughter tells the story of her mother, a pan-African hero who faced down misogyny and battled corruption in Nigeria.

Inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu - the importance of community over the individual - and outraged by injustice, Dora Akunyili took on fraudulent drug manufacturers whose products killed millions, including her sister.

A woman in a man’s world, she was elected and became a cabinet minister, but she had to deal with political manoeuvrings, death threats and an assassination attempt for defending the voiceless. She suffered for it, as did her marriage and six children.

I Am Because We Are illuminates the role of kinship, family and the individual’s place in society, while revealing a life of courage, how community shaped it and the web of humanity that binds us all.

©2022 Chidiogo Akunyili (P)2022 Anansi Audio

Critic reviews

"I Am Because We Are is an engaging family story with enough twists and turns to keep readers motivated to continue to the last page." (Winnipeg Free Press)

A Befitting Tribute To Professor Dora Akunyili

An amazing tribute to one of the most loved Nigerians in my lifetime - a hero to the oppressed. This book touched my heart and soul. Chidiogo, thank you for writing this, especially for writing in first person.

A Story of Heart, Heartsong and Heartbreak

This book had me reflecting, jubilating and mourning with all my heart.

Spectacular work, Chidiogo! How you shared things so deep and made your mom accessible to us is incredible. I feel like I know family secrets that I have to now keep in my confidence.

Thank you Dora for living a life larger than many. We will always remember.

I Am Because We Are

I loved the whole book. The courage and integrity of the woman, who help make Nigeria a great country. She instilled hope. I recommend this book to all interested in making a difference, in this world, with steadfastness in one’s integrity, Thank you.

Detailed, well-paced, riveting, a must read.

I enjoyed listening to the author in her own voice. Every chapter opens with a proverb, I found each a delight. A thorough expose into the life and times of a woman who was so driven, struggled to balance family and career, yet changed the course of a nation's consumer health. Unfortunately, her life was cut too short.

Fantastic Narration, convicting & heart warming

This wonderful story on the life of a world ICON took me down many paths. It was raw and honest and we got to experience Dora's highs, lows, fights, victories up until her death. Those who are not Nigerian are fortunate to get a glimpse into Nigeria's history and how it shaped many of our parent's generation.

Her story was beautifully written and though I laughed and cried (ugly tears), it really made me question my purpose and conscience. When faced with obstacles, will I push forth with integrity? Will I shun the repercussions and do the right thing even if it is entirely against the grain? Will I be brave enough to endanger my life and potentially my family's doing the right thing?

Dora did all that and more. It is sad that she gave her life to a short sighted country who did not fully appreciate her brilliance and conviction. Hopefully her story will continue to inspire and build up an army of strong minded Nigerians that will change the course of that country into one that Dora Akunyili will be even more proud to be a part of.