The Federal Government on Thursday presented a N30 million donation to the family of the late Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigeria’s national flag, nearly two years after his passing.
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, alongside the Oyo State NOA Director, Olukemi Afolayan, handed over the cheque on behalf of the government at the late Akinkunmi’s residence in Elebu, Ibadan, Oyo State.
NEWS BULLETIN reports that Akinkunmi passed away on August 29, 2023, at the age of 87. Following his death, President Bola Tinubu sent a delegation, led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on a condolence visit on September 4, 2023. During the visit, the government pledged to provide financial support to the family and organize a national burial in his honor.
Speaking at the cheque presentation, Issa-Onilu acknowledged that while he was not in office at the time of the president’s initial directive, the transition period delayed the fulfillment of the government’s promise. He emphasized that the N30 million donation was not a payment for the late icon’s contributions but a token of appreciation for his legacy.
“We are in the home of a great Nigerian who designed the national flag, a symbol we still use today, 64 years later. His design was chosen from several entries as the one that best represents our identity as a nation,” Issa-Onilu said.
He reassured the family that the government’s recognition of Akinkunmi’s contributions would be ongoing.
Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, one of the late designer’s children, expressed gratitude for the government’s support, stating that it affirmed the nation’s recognition of their father’s legacy.
Earlier, the NOA DG visited the Akinyele Trailer Park, where he cautioned residents against scooping petrol from crashed tankers. He warned that Nigeria had lost many lives to such incidents, citing recent explosions in Enugu and Niger states that claimed multiple lives.
