The Federal Government has presented N30 million to the family of the late Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigeria’s iconic national flag. The donation, made nearly two years after his passing, serves as a gesture of appreciation for his significant contribution to the country.
On Thursday, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, accompanied by the agency’s Oyo State Director, Olukemi Afolayan, made the official presentation at the late Akinkunmi’s residence in Elebu, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, who passed away on August 29, 2023, at the age of 87, had been honored by the government earlier in September with a condolence visit from President Bola Tinubu’s delegation. At that time, the government pledged both a national burial for the flag designer and financial support for his family.
Issa-Onilu explained that the N30 million donation was not a payment for the late Akinkunmi’s services but rather a token of appreciation for his lasting legacy. “We are here in the home of a great citizen of this country who developed the national flag that we all know as Green White Green. 64 years later, we are still using that flag, which shows the creativity and ingenuity of this very important Nigerian,” he said.
The flag, designed by Akinkunmi in 1959, has remained a symbol of national unity and pride. Issa-Onilu further emphasized the enduring legacy of Akinkunmi’s work, stating that the family, including his children, would continue to carry his remarkable legacy forward.
Akinwunmi, one of the deceased’s children, expressed gratitude to the government for the support, acknowledging that the donation reflected the nation’s recognition of their father’s contributions.
In addition to the donation presentation, Issa-Onilu also paid a visit to the Akinyele Trailer Park, where he raised awareness about the dangers of fuel tanker explosions. He highlighted the recent tragic incidents in Enugu and Niger States, where lives were lost due to people attempting to scoop fuel from crashed tankers.
The N30 million donation to the Akinkunmi family is part of the government’s continued efforts to honor and remember its national heroes, ensuring their contributions are not forgotten.
