The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris has described Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi as an iconic individual who designed one of the most important symbols of Nigeria’s collective existence as a country and a nation.
At the Akinkunmi family residence in Elebu, Ibadan on Monday, the minister said the condolence visit was at the behest of President Bola Tinubu, who, he said, assured the family and Oyo State that he shares in the pain caused by the death of the icon, adding that Akinkunmi represented the unity and oneness of the country through the legacy he left behind.
“Mr. President has asked that we come to commiserate with the family and the state and also to tell them that he shares with them in this grief, along with the Federal Government, throughout this period” Idris said.
According to a statement by the ministry’s Deputy Director of Press, Suleiman Haruna, the minister assured that the requests of the family at this time would be looked into.
Earlier, the minister paid a courtesy visit to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde at the executive chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Ibadan. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Bayo Lawal, Makinde said that, although the national anthem has been changed twice, the national flag has remained the same owing to the depth of message and meaning it preaches.
“He must have had in mind a united country that would always be one”, Lawal said.
“We must appreciate Akinkunmi for his rich knowledge and deep insight in that he saw agriculture as a key item that will always be relevant, especially now in the face of dwindling oil prices globally. Again, the white color on the flag symbolizes the peace and unity of the nation. The unity and togetherness of the nation remain key to us all”, he further said.
He expressed appreciation to the President, on behalf of the Akinkunmi family and the state for sending the high-powered delegation to condole with the state, saying the people of the state are ready to cooperate with the Federal Government on the unity of the country.
The minister was accompanied by top management of the agencies and departments under his ministry.
