Naija247news reports that the Federal Government has donated N30 million to the family of the late Taiwo Akinkunmi, the revered designer of Nigeria’s national flag. The donation comes more than a year after his passing and months after his burial, following prolonged uncertainty over the state burial promised by the government.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that Akinkunmi, who etched his name in Nigeria’s history by designing the iconic green-white-green national flag, died on August 30, 2023, at the age of 87 after a brief illness. However, his burial was delayed until September 6, 2024, as his family awaited the fulfillment of official commitments from the government.
According to Naija247news, the cheque for N30 million was officially presented to Akinkunmi’s family at his residence in Elebu, Ibadan, by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, alongside the Oyo State Director of NOA, Olukemi Afolayan. The symbolic handover marked the federal government’s acknowledgment of Akinkunmi’s national contribution.
Issa-Onilu, speaking at the presentation, stated that the donation was not intended as payment for the late Akinkunmi’s service but as a gesture of support for his family. “The donation of N30 million to the family of the renowned national flag designer was not to pay for the services of the late legend but to support his family in appreciation of his contributions to the country,” he said.
Naija247news understands that the delay in fulfilling the government’s promise of a state burial had drawn criticism from some quarters, with many Nigerians questioning why the nation failed to promptly honor the man who gave it a symbol of identity. The financial support, though appreciated, comes after months of frustration for the family.
Speaking on behalf of the Akinkunmi family, Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, one of the deceased’s sons, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the gesture. “We are deeply grateful for this support, and we appreciate the government’s recognition of our father’s legacy,” he said.
Naija247news reports that Taiwo Akinkunmi designed the Nigerian flag in 1959 as part of a national competition, and his design was officially adopted on October 1, 1960, when Nigeria gained independence. Decades later, his contribution remains an enduring symbol of the nation’s unity and pride.
