- The Federal Government presents N30 million to the family of the late Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, designer of Nigeria’s national flag
- The Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasises that the financial support is a token of appreciation for Akinkunmi’s contribution to Nigeria’s identity
- Issa-Onilu warns against scooping fuel from crashed tankers, citing deadly incidents in Enugu and Niger states
The Federal Government has donated N30 million to the family of the late Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigeria’s national flag, nearly two years after his passing.
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, presented the cheque on behalf of the government at the late icon’s residence in Elebu, Ibadan, Oyo State.
He was accompanied by the state’s NOA Director, Olukemi Afolayan.
Akinkunmi, who designed the iconic Green-White-Green flag, passed away on August 29, 2023, at the age of 87.
Following his demise, President Bola Tinubu sent a government delegation, led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on a condolence visit on September 4, 2023.
During the visit, the government pledged to honour him with a national burial and provide financial support to his family.
Speaking during the cheque presentation, Issa-Onilu explained that administrative transitions had delayed the fulfilment of this commitment.
He clarified that the N30 million donation was not a payment for Akinkunmi’s services but a gesture of appreciation for his contributions to the nation.
“We are here in the home of a great citizen of this country who developed the national flag that we all know as Green White Green that we use up till today.
“Entries were made by several Nigerians and his design was considered as most representative of who we are as a people. 64 years after, we are still using that flag which shows the creativity and ingenuity of this very important Nigerian.”
He said though the hero had passed, he left great Nigerians behind, including his children and members of his family.
“On behalf of the Federal Government, on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, we wish to present just a token of appreciation to this family. This appreciation will be a continuous thing,” Issa-Onilu stated.
He urged the family to uphold Akinkunmi’s legacy, while one of the late designer’s children, Akinwunmi, expressed gratitude for the support, acknowledging it as a sign of national recognition for their father’s contributions.
Public sensitisation on fuel tanker accidents
Earlier that day, the NOA DG visited the Akinyele Trailer Park, where he cautioned residents against scooping fuel from crashed tankers, citing the dangers involved.
He noted that Nigeria had witnessed numerous fuel tanker explosions, resulting in tragic losses, including a recent incident in Enugu State that claimed at least 18 lives.
“The Enugu incident followed a similar incident in Niger where more than 80 persons reportedly lost their lives while scooping fuel from the crashed tanker,” Issa-Onilu said.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise their safety and avoid such hazardous practices.
“What a shame”: Nigerians react as FG allegedly reneged on state funeral for flag designer Akinkunmi
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Government was criticised on social media for reneging on its promise of honouring the late designer of the Nigerian Flag, Taiwo Akinkunmi, with a state funeral.
Many Nigerians expressed their disappointment in the government, claiming that the government has no regard for the citizens, even in death.