Indeed, everything with a beginning has an end and life is not an exception.
There is a time to give birth and a time to depart the earth. But the man who designed Nigeria’s flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, surely left with an indelible mark.
Pa Akinkunmi died in the early hours of Tuesday after a brief illness.
One of his children made this announcement on Facebook.
“Life is indeed transient; I can say boldly that you lived a life with a landmark.
“Continue to rest, my father! Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (O.F.R.): A great man has gone.”
Nigeria flag
While residing overseas in 1958, Akinkunmi came across an advertisement for the submission of ideas for the Nigerian national flag as the country’s separation from British rule was approaching.
His entry was chosen out of the more than 2,000 that were submitted.
However, the flag’s original layout had a white band in the centre, two green bands on either side, and a red sun with flowing rays on the white band.
Although the committee in charge ultimately decided to omit the Sun, Akinkunmi’s design was chosen for its originality and depth.
The white band symbolises peace, while the green bands stand for the nation’s forests and vast natural resources.
On October 1, 1960, Independence Day, it was raised in its place instead of the British Union Jack.
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Akinkunmi received 100 pounds when his design was chosen. Back then, that amount was a huge sum.
Also, he was honoured with the MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Say farewell to the man, who gave us our flag that we all love. Indeed, one thing we know is that Nigerians are peaceful people.
Rest on Pa Akinkunmi.
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