The Federal Government has provided a ₦30 million donation to the family of Taiwo Akinkunmi, the man who designed Nigeria’s national flag, in recognition of his lasting contributions to the nation’s history.
Akinkunmi, who passed away on August 30, 2023, at the age of 87, was laid to rest on September 6, 2024—exactly one year after his passing. His family had initially anticipated a state burial, as promised by the government, but the plan did not materialize.
Presenting the financial support on behalf of the government, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, alongside the Oyo State Director of NOA, Olukemi Afolayan, handed over the ₦30 million cheque to the Akinkunmi family in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday.
Issa-Onilu clarified that the funds were not intended as compensation for Akinkunmi’s work but rather as a gesture of appreciation for his patriotic legacy.
“This donation is not a payment for his service but a token of the nation’s gratitude for his immense contributions. Akinkunmi’s legacy will forever remain an integral part of Nigeria’s identity,” Issa-Onilu remarked.
Tinubu’s Promise of Support
Before his burial, President Bola Tinubu had pledged both financial support and a national burial for the late Akinkunmi. The commitment was made during a condolence visit to the family by a government delegation, led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on September 4, 2023.
Although the promised state burial did not take place, the government has now fulfilled the financial aspect of its commitment.
Family Expresses Gratitude
In response to the donation, Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, a son of the late designer, expressed his family’s appreciation to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for honoring his father’s memory.
“We sincerely thank President Tinubu and the government for this support. It is a touching recognition of our father’s legacy and his role in shaping Nigeria’s identity,” he stated.
Akinkunmi’s Enduring Legacy
Taiwo Akinkunmi’s name remains etched in Nigeria’s history for his pivotal role in designing the national flag in 1959, a year before the country gained independence. His iconic green-white-green design has stood the test of time, symbolizing Nigeria’s rich natural resources (green) and its desire for peace and unity (white).
Despite his significant contribution, Akinkunmi lived a largely modest life. Over the years, there were calls for greater recognition and support for him, particularly given his declining health in his later years. The recent government gesture, though belated, serves as an acknowledgment of his impact on the nation.
His legacy continues to inspire generations, reinforcing the importance of national identity and patriotism in shaping Nigeria’s future.
