Oyo govt wants designer of Nigerian flag immortalised

The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, on Friday, charged the Federal Government to immortalise the designer of the National Flag, Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, for recognition and sustainability of his legacy.

Lawal gave the charge at the funeral service of Pa Akinkunmi, which was held at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Akinkunmi was born on May 10, 1936, and died aged 87 on August 29, 2023. He designed the Nigerian flag while he was 23.

The Acting Governor said the federal government ought to have shouldered the funeral service of Pa Akinkunmi, whose contribution is an enduring legacy that reminds Nigeria to remain united.

In his tribute, Chairman Advisory Council of Oyo State, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (MON) who called for togetherness among Nigerians, to navigate the challenges of Nigeria and build on the legacy Pa Akinkunmi left behind, appreciated Governor Makinde for comforting the family by granting fund for the burial ceremony.

Ayorinde said: “As we gather to honour his memory, we must address our role and responsibility as custodians of his legacy. Today, we stand as witnesses to the struggles our nation faces.

“The ideals of peace, unity, and progress that our flag represents can only be realised if we recommit ourselves to fostering harmony among our communities.

“We must reinvigorate the spirit of togetherness, just as our forebears envisaged, as we navigate the complexities of modern Nigeria.

“As we hold the green and white close to our hearts, let it serve as a powerful reminder of the dream that united us and the collective work still needed to achieve that dream.
Let us also pay homage to Pa Akinkunmi’s unwavering belief in the power of education and knowledge.

“He often emphasised that the foundation of a strong nation lies in its educated populace. He encouraged young minds to pursue their creative aspirations, fostering a culture that values innovation, curiosity, and thoughtfulness. In his honour, we must ensure that future generations understand the importance of creativity in nation-building.

“We must engage with our youth and instill in them the values he championed — values that align with compassion, understanding, and a desire for the greater good.

“As we bid farewell to Pa Michael Akinkunmi, let us reflect on the multifaceted legacy he leaves behind — the vision of a united Nigeria, the celebration of creativity, the importance of education, and the strength found in diversity. These ideals are not merely words; they are guiding principles that we must actively embrace and reiterate as we come forward.”

In his sermon, Pastor Olufemi Omowunmi, charged people to emulate Pa Akinkunmi by contributing their quota to salvage Nigeria and for its development without holding a political office.

While urging the congregation to be watchful and mindful of their actions, the cleric said everyone regardless of status, shall someday be called home like Pa Akinkunmi to give an account of their life.

Speaking on behalf of the family, a son of the deceased, Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, also called for the immortalization of his father.

The Nigerian Army and the National Youth Service Corps [NYSC] band, the Choir of GOFAMINT, and the cultural group added colour to the ceremony.