Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, Designer of Nigeria’s Flag, is dead

Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the man who designed Nigeria’s flag, is dead. He died in the early hours of Tuesday (29 August 2023) after a brief illness.

One of his children announced his death on Facebook.

He wrote: “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.”

In 1958, while living abroad, Akinkunmi saw an advertisement in a national daily for the submission of designs for 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 flag design featured a white band flanked by two green ones with a red sun and streaming rays on the white band.

Although the committee in charge eventually removed the sun, 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, October 1, 1960, in place of the British Union Jack, while Akinkunmi was awarded 100 pounds when his design was selected.

President Goodluck Jonathan honored him with the MON (Member of the Order of the Niger).