On August 30, 2023, Nigeria mourned the passing of Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, the visionary designer of the country’s iconic flag.
Here are 7 things you should know about his life and legacy:
- Early Life: Pa Akinkunmi was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. He attended Baptist Day Secondary School and Ibadan Grammar School for his education.
- Education: After completing his secondary education, Akinkunmi pursued further studies in electrical engineering at Norwood Technical College in London.
- Designing the Flag: While studying in the UK, he saw an advertisement inviting designs for Nigeria’s national flag. His design, incorporating the green-white-green colour scheme, was chosen, and he made history as the flag’s designer in 1958, just before Nigeria gained independence from British rule and was awarded 100 pounds by the government.
- Return to Nigeria: After returning to Nigeria in 1963, Akinkunmi resumed working at the agricultural department of the Secretariat in Ibadan, continuing his civil service career.
- Civil Service Career: He remained in civil service until his retirement in 1994, reaching the position of Assistant Superintendent of Agriculture.
- Honours and Recognition: In 2014, Akinkunmi received the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) award and was named an honorary life presidential adviser by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
- Legacy: His contribution as the flag’s designer earned him the affectionate nickname “Mr. Flag Man.” His green-white-green design has become an enduring symbol of Nigeria’s identity and independence.
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