PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
The man who designed Nigeria’s flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, is dead.
Persecondnews gathered that the octogenarian, who hailed from Abeokuta, Ogun State, died at the age of 84 years in the early hours of Tuesday during a brief illness.
His son, Akinkunmi Akinwumi Samuel, announced his demise via his Facebook page on Wednesday.
He wrote: “Life is indeed transient; I can say boldly you live a life with a landmark. Continue to rest on, my father! Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (O.F.R) Great Man has gone.”
Akinkunmi, while living abroad In 1958, 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.
Luckily, his entry was picked among the over 2,000 entries submitted, for its ingenuity and profundity.
The green bands represent the forests and abundant natural wealth of the country, while the white band represents peace.
It was hoisted on Independence Day, October 1, 1960, in place of the British Union Jack, while Akinkunmi was awarded 100 pounds for the design.
He was honored with the MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) Award by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
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