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Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, Designer Of Nigeria’s Flag, Passes Away At 87
He was bestowed with the Order of the Federal Republic award by President Goodluck Jonathan in recognition of his contribution
The designer of the Nigerian flag, Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, has passed away at the age of 87.
His son, Akinkunmi Akinwumi Samuel, shared the news of his passing through his Facebook page on Wednesday.
“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.”
Akinkunmi received a reward of 100 pounds from the government when his design was selected for the Nigerian flag.
He was bestowed with the Order of the Federal Republic award by President Goodluck Jonathan in recognition of his contributions.
Born on May 10, 1936, the late Pa Akinwunmi received his primary education at Baptist Day Secondary School, Ibadan, and his secondary education at Ibadan Grammar School, Ibadan. He initiated his career as a Civil Servant at the Secretariat of Ibadan and subsequently travelled abroad to pursue studies in Agricultural Engineering at Norway Technical College.
In 1958, while he was overseas, Akinkunmi came across an advertisement in a national newspaper inviting designs for Nigeria’s national flag in anticipation of the country’s upcoming Independence from British rule. Out of approximately 2,000 submissions, his design was recognized as the finest.