Pa. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, the nonagenarian credited with designing Nigeria’s national flag, passed away at the age of 93 in the early hours of Tuesday.
Pa. Akinkunmi, a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State, died after brief illness.
News of his passing was shared through the Facebook account of one of his children, who wrote, “Life is indeed transient; I can say boldly that you live a life with a landmark. Continue to rest, my father! Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (O.F.R.): Great Man has gone.”
Born on May 10, 1936, in Abeokuta, Pa. Akinwumi later settled in Ibadan. He attended Baptist Day Secondary School for his Primary education and Ibadan Grammar School for his Secondary education.
Commencing his career as a Civil Servant at the Secretariat of Ibadan, Pa. Akinkunmi eventually pursued studies in Agricultural Engineering at Norway Technical College after a period abroad.
In 1958, while overseas, Akinkunmi chanced upon a national daily advertisement soliciting designs for the Nigerian national flag, in anticipation of the country’s forthcoming independence from British rule.
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Out of approximately 2,000 entries, his submission was deemed the best.
The initial design of the flag featured a white band between two green ones, adorned with a red sun accompanied by streaming rays on the white band.
However, the supervisory committee removed the sun to achieve the present design.
Akinkunmi’s design stood out due to its originality and symbolism. The green bands symbolize Nigeria’s lush forests and abundant natural resources, while the white band signifies peace.
On the day of Independence (October 1, 1960), the Nigerian flag was officially raised, replacing the British Union Jack. For his accomplishment, the government awarded Akinkunmi 100 pounds.
Additionally, he received the MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) Award from President Goodluck Jonathan in recognition of his contributions.
