Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu conveyed his deepest sympathy to the family of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, OFR, who designed the national flag in 1958 and left a generational legacy, following his passing into glory at the age of 87.
According to the statement released by his Spokesman on Wednesday, the President believed Pa Akinkunmi lived and worked for the greatness of the country, and rests eternally with a place of honour in Nigeria’s history.
Tinubu condoled with friends, and associates of the retired civil servant, who dedicated his life to the service of the nation, sharing knowledge and experience with old and young, and inspiring many to think and act patriotically.
While affirmed that the Green and White flag is a legacy that has consistently reflected fruitfulness, resilience, and harmony enjoyed by the nation, and the boldness and uniqueness with which Nigerians characteristically reach for and achieve success around the world.
Also, the Federal Government of Nigeria mourns the death of the designer of the Nigerian national flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi who died at the age of 84, at his family home in Ibadan, after a brief illness.
Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris who on behalf of the Federal Goverment expressed his heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, praying that God will grant them the fortitude to bear this great loss.
According to him, “I am particularly saddened over the news of the demise of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, a national icon, whose contribution to national unity will remain indelible.
“The death of Pa Akinkunmi came at the time Nigeria was reinventing itself for peace, development and enduring national reconciliation.
“The country would miss the contributions of the deceased especially at this time that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is banking on the Renewed Hope Agenda to build on national fervour that characterized Nigeria’s journey to independence.
“I am confident that Pa Akinkunmi will continue to live in the minds of Nigerians for generations to come. The National Flag, one of our revered national symbols is an asset for which Pa Akinwunmi has etched his name in the annals of Nigerian history”, Idris added.
Akinkunmi designed the flag in October 1959, a year before Nigeria gained independence. He was paid – 100 pounds, equal to $ 281 in 1959. He lived in one of the poorest areas of Ibadan. His house painted in colours of Nigerian flag is a distinctive feature.
In 2008, Akinkunmi was given a cheque of two million naira as fee for his appearance on a TV show and received his first award from federal government in October 2010, during Nigeria’s celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of independence.
Finally in 2014, Nigeria’s designer of national flag, Pa Akinkunmi received national honour from then-president Goodluck Jonathan. Jonathan granted him a lifetime’s monthly salary – 800,000 naira, equal to wages of a presidential special assistant.