The designer of the Nigerian flag, Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi has died at the age of 87
His son, Samuel Akinwumi announced his demise via his Facebook page on Wednesday.
He died in the early hours of Tuesday after a brief illness.
The son wrote: “Life is indeed transient; I can say boldly you live a life with a landmark. Continue to rest on, my father! Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (O.F.R) Great Man has gone”.
Akinkunmi was awarded £100 by the government when his design was selected as the Nigerian flag.
In 2014, he was honoured with the Order of Federal Republic award by then President Goodluck Jonathan, and also appointed Akinwunmi his special assistant for life.
In 1958, while living abroad, Akinkunmi saw an advertisement in a national daily for the submission of designs for the Nigeria’s national flag as the country’s independence from British governance was close.
Among the over 2,000 entries submitted, his was picked.
However, the original design of the flag featured a white band flanked by two green ones with a red sun and streaming rays on the white band.
Although the sun was eventually removed by the committee in charge, Akinkunmi’s design was selected for its ingenuity and profundity.
The green bands represent the forests and abundant natural wealth of the country, while the white band represents peace.
It was hoisted on Independence Day, 1st October 1960, in place of the British Union Jack, while Akinkunmi was awarded 100 pounds when his design was selected.
He was honoured with the MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) by President Goodluck Jonathan.
