The Nigerian government has honoured the legacy of the late Taiwo Akinkunmi, designer of the national flag, by providing a ₦30 million donation to his family.
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu, personally presented the cheque to the family at their residence in Elebu, Ibadan, Oyo State in southwest Nigeria reaffirming the government’s commitment to recognizing national heroes and their contributions to the country’s heritage.
Speaking during the presentation, Issa-Onilu emphasised that the financial support was not a payment for the late Akinkunmi’s service but an appreciation of his contributions to the nation.
NOA DG Commends Akinkunmi’s Outstanding Contribution to National Unity
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has commended the Nigerian flag designer, the late Taiwo Akinkunmi, for his outstanding contribution to national unity,… pic.twitter.com/6dNHogXXAo
— National Orientation Agency, Nigeria (@NOA_Nigeria) January 31, 2025
“The donation of N30 million to the family of the renowned National Flag designer was not to pay for the services of the late legend but to support his family in recognition of his contributions to the country,” he stated.
Responding on behalf of the family, one of the late icon’s sons, Mr Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the kind gesture.
He expressed appreciation to the Government of Nigeria for not reneging on its promise by honouring the memory of their patriarch, despite the fact that the Oyo State Government had earlier given their father and National Icon a befitting burial.
“While we are appealing to the Government for prompt immortalisation of Late Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi as moved at the upper chamber by the Senator representing Oyo South senatorial district, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, and backed up by Senator Abdulfatah Buhari and Senator Yunus Akintunde, as well as Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation during his condolence visit to the deceased’s family, it will be our greater joy as a family that the children of the deceased be fixed into government employment, as this will spur patriotism in many Nigerians and teach the younger generations on the need to be committed to their fatherland.
“Once again, we express our heartfelt appreciation for this timely and thoughtful support extended to us. It truly reflects the government’s commitment to honouring the legacy of our late father, who is an icon and ensuring the well-being of his family,“ Engr. Akinkunmi Akinwumi said.
Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi passed away at the age of 87 on August 29, 2023; he was finally laid to rest in September 2024 at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan.
Following his death, President Tinubu had on September 4, 2023, sent a high-powered delegation led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, to condole with the family.
The late Akinkunmi designed the Nigerian national flag in 1959, a symbol that has since become an enduring representation of the nation’s identity.
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