Senate asks FG to immortalise national flag designer, late Akinkunmi

The Senate on Tuesday requested the Federal Government to immortalize the designer of the national flag, the late Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi.

In a motion moved by Sen. Sharafadeen Abiodun, representing Oyo South, the red chamber also called on the Federal Government to give Akinkunmi a state burial for his befitting role in the designing of the national flag.

Persecondnews reports that Akinkunmi, who hailed from Abeokuta, Ogun State, died at the age of 84 in Ibadan on August 29, 2023, during a brief illness.

Persecondnews recalls that 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 rule was close.

Luckily, his entry was picked among the over 2,000 entries submitted for its ingenuity and profundity.

In the nation’s flag, 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 on October 1, 1960, in place of the British Union Jack, while Akinkunmi was awarded 100 pounds for his design.

He was honoured with the MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.