The Senate has urged the Federal Government to honor the late designer of the National Flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, with a state burial. It also requested the government to immortalize the deceased by renaming any national monument after him.
The Senate resolution followed a motion by Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South, on the need to immortalize the late Akinkunmi, who passed away last August after a brief illness.
The Red Chamber observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and resolved to send a condolence message to the family.
In his motion, Senator Alli said, “Mr. President, I implore all distinguished members to support this motion, which seeks to honour the memory of Mr. Taiwo Akinkunmi OFR, the designer of our beloved national flag.
“I also want us to ensure that his legacy is celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
“We call upon the Federal Government to take immediate steps to immortalize his name and provide him with a state burial worthy of a national hero so that his memory will continue to inspire young Nigerians, fostering a sense of patriotism and dedication to the service of our great future generation and unite the people of Nigeria.”
Alli maintained in his motion that it was imperative to honour the outstanding contributions of the late Akinkunmi, who was given the sobriquet “Mr. Flag” in his lifetime.
He said, “Mr. Akinkunmi was a distinguished designer and the creative mind behind Nigeria’s national flag, an enduring symbol of our nation’s unity, strength, and identity.
“Unfortunately, on the 29th of August 2023, we lost this national hero. It is only fitting that we remember and honour his legacy for generations to come.”
