Pa. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, a distinguished Nigerian and the visionary designer of the Nigerian national flag, passed away at the age of 93 in the early hours of Tuesday after a brief illness. His contribution to Nigeria’s identity and heritage is immeasurable.
Born on May 10, 1936, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Pa. Akinkunmi later resided in Ibadan. He received his primary education at Baptist Day Secondary School, Ibadan, and continued his education at Ibadan Grammar School for his secondary studies.
His career journey began as a Civil Servant at the Secretariat of Ibadan, but it was his pursuit of higher education overseas that marked a turning point. He traveled to Norway Technical College to study Agricultural Engineering, and it was during his time abroad that fate intervened.
In 1958, while overseas, Akinkunmi noticed an advertisement in a national newspaper calling for designs for the Nigerian national flag. This opportunity coincided with Nigeria’s impending independence from British rule. Akinkunmi’s design, among nearly 2,000 submissions, was hailed as the best. His original design featured a white band flanked by two green ones, adorned with a red sun and streaming rays on the white band.
Although the red sun was ultimately omitted from the final design by the overseeing committee, Akinkunmi’s creation was chosen for its profound symbolism. The green bands symbolize Nigeria’s rich forests and natural wealth, while the white band signifies peace. This thoughtful representation captured the essence of the nation’s values.
The flag, bearing Akinkunmi’s design, was officially raised on Nigeria’s Independence Day, October 1, 1960, replacing the British Union Jack. The Nigerian government recognized his contribution by awarding him 100 pounds.
Throughout his life, Pa. Akinkunmi continued to be honored for his impact. He received the MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) Award from President Goodluck Jonathan. To celebrate his 77th birthday, a Christian organization called G-Next organized a home makeover for his residence in Ibadan, highlighting the respect and admiration he garnered.
Pa. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi’s legacy is etched into Nigeria’s history and identity through the iconic national flag design. His ingenuity, dedication, and profound understanding of the country’s values have left an indelible mark that will forever be remembered and celebrated.
