Taiwo Akinkunmi: Designer of Nigeria’s flag is dead
He wrote: “Life is indeed transient; I can say boldly that you live a life with a landmark.
Continue to rest, my father! Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (O.F.R.): Great Man has gone.”
The flag
In 1958, while living abroad, Akinkunmi saw an advertisement in a national daily for the submission of designs for the Nigeria’s national flag as the country’s independence from British governance was close.
Among the over 2,000 entries submitted, his was picked.
However, the original design of the flag featured a white band flanked by two green ones and a red sun with streaming rays was located on the white band.
The sun was eventually removed by the committee in charge. Akinkunmi’s design was selected for its ingenuity and profundity.
The green bands represent the forests and abundant natural wealth of the country, while the white band represents peace.
The flag was hoisted on Independence Day, October 1, 1960, in place of the British Union Jack, while Akinkunmi was awarded 100 pounds when his design was selected.
He was honoured with the MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) by President Goodluck Jonathan.
