“Nigeria mourns loss of Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, visionary behind national flag design”

Death – Obituary News : Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigeria’s national flag, has passed away. His simple yet profound design reflects unity and independence, values shared by both Nigeria and the United States. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria extends its condolences to the nation.

We extend our condolence to Nigeria on the passing of Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, the creative genius behind Nigeria’s national flag. His design, simple yet profound, reflects unity and independence – values our nations share . pic.twitter.com/XiFzJ4328q

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) September 6, 2023

Nigeria Mourns the Loss of Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, the Creative Genius behind the National Flag

The entire nation of Nigeria is plunged into mourning as it bids farewell to a true visionary and national treasure, Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, the man behind Nigeria’s iconic national flag. With deep sadness, we report that the creative genius passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of Nigerians.

Born on May 10, 1936, in Ibadan, Akinkunmi’s artistic talents were evident from a young age. He pursued his education in various prestigious institutions, including the University of London and the University of Western Ontario. After completing his studies, Akinkunmi returned to Nigeria and joined the Nigerian College of Arts, Science, and Technology (now known as Ahmadu Bello University), where he honed his skills and developed his passion for art.

In 1959, Akinkunmi was given the immense responsibility of designing Nigeria’s national flag. His creation, a simple yet profound design, resonated deeply with the Nigerian people. The flag featured two vertical green stripes on the sides and a bold white stripe in the middle, adorned with a radiant sun. Akinkunmi’s design encapsulated the nation’s values of unity and independence, becoming an enduring symbol of Nigerian pride.

His masterpiece was officially adopted as the national flag on October 1, 1960, when Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule. Since then, the flag has flown high, representing the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of a nation.

Akinkunmi’s legacy stretches far beyond his artistic contributions. He was a symbol of resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of the Nigerian people. His work will forever be cherished as a testament to the nation’s rich cultural heritage and the indomitable Nigerian spirit.

As Nigeria mourns the loss of Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, may his memory serve as a reminder of the power of creativity and the ability of one individual to leave an indelible mark on a nation’s identity..