Remembering Nigeria's 'Mr Flag Man': A Year On Without a State Funeral
It's been a year since Taiwo Akinkunmi, the visionary designer of Nigeria's iconic green-white-green flag, passed away. Yet, despite promises from the government, no state funeral has been planned to honor his memory. His son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi, shares insights into the life and legacy of Nigeria's flag designer.
Credit: Premium Times
Taiwo Akinkunmi's journey to designing the Nigerian flag began in London, where he was studying and saw an ad in a newspaper calling for ideas for the national flag. His entry was selected, and the flag was unveiled on Nigeria's Independence Day, October 1st, 1960. He was paid £100 ($126) for his design, a modest sum for a creation that has become an enduring symbol of Nigerian identity.
After his achievement, Taiwo returned to Nigeria in 1963 and lived a quiet life working at the Ministry of Agriculture. His son Akinwumi remembers him as "an easy-going person" who didn't seek to draw attention to himself. "My late father was the kind of person that didn't want anything to tarnish his image or stop his career," Akinwumi says.
Credit: Stock
The National Institute for Cultural Orientation recently released a statement saying they had been asked to intervene and fast-track plans for the promised state burial. However, no date has been set, leaving many to wonder why the government has not yet honored Akinkunmi's legacy.
It's time to remember the man behind the flag. Taiwo Akinkunmi's design has become an iconic symbol of Nigerian identity, unity, and pride. His contributions deserve recognition, and a state funeral would be a fitting tribute to his legacy.
The delay in honoring Akinkunmi's memory has raised questions about the government's commitment to recognizing its heroes. Will the government finally give him the state funeral he deserves? Only time will tell.
Comments