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Death – Obituary News : Mr. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of the Nigerian flag, has passed away. The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy expressed deep sorrow and condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Akinkunmi’s contributions to Nigeria’s national identity will always be cherished.
THE HONORABLE MINISTER OF ART, CULTURE AND THE CREATIVE ECONOMY; HANNATU MUSA MUSAWA @hanneymusawa WROTE;
IT IS WITH DEEP SORROW THAT WE CONDOLE WITH FAMILIES AND FRIENDS ON THE PASSING OF MR. MICHAEL TAIWO AKINKUNMI (O.F.R), THE SOUL OF OUR CHERISHED NIGERIAN FLAG. HIS… pic.twitter.com/MFZ9IV6G65
— Ledum Madiba Teegbara (@madiba_ledum) August 31, 2023
DEATH OF MR. MICHAEL TAIWO AKINKUNMI (O.F.R), THE LEGEND BEHIND THE NIGERIAN FLAG
It is with immense sadness that we mourn the passing of Mr. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (O.F.R), the illustrious creator of the Nigerian flag. His demise on August 31, 2023, has left a void in the hearts of Nigerians and the global community.
Born on May 10, 1936, in Ibadan, Nigeria, Mr. Akinkunmi had an innate passion for art and creative expression. He pursued his dreams, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from the University of London, and later trained as a teacher at St. Gregory’s College, Lagos.
In 1959, the Federal Government announced a national competition to design an emblem for the newly independent Nigeria. Amongst many entries, Mr. Akinkunmi’s design stood out for its simplicity and profound symbolism. His green-white-green flag, with the green representing Nigeria’s agricultural wealth and the white symbolizing peace, was chosen.
Throughout his life, Mr. Akinkunmi remained dedicated to the pursuit of art and culture. He served as a civil servant in various capacities, including as an art teacher, and worked with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture. His contributions to the development of Nigerian art and culture were invaluable, and he was awarded the Order of the Federal Republic (O.F.R) in recognition of his exceptional service.
Mr. Akinkunmi’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the Nigerian flag, a powerful symbol of unity and national identity. His creation has flown high and proud for over six decades, inspiring generations and representing the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
As we bid farewell to Mr. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, we honor his extraordinary life and express our deepest condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire the creative minds of future generations..
