The Oyo State government has urged the federal government to immortalize Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of the Nigerian national flag, to recognize and sustain his legacy. The Oyo State Acting Governor Barrister Bayo-Lawal made the call during the lying in state and funeral service held in honor of the national hero at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
The Acting Governor acknowledged Pa Akinkunmi’s immense contributions to the nation’s development, noting that the national flag has been a unifying symbol of pride for Nigeria nationally and globally. He however called for national unity and urged the federal government to ensure Pa Akinkunmi’s legacy is duly recognized by immortalizing him.
Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), the Chairman of the State Advisory Council, emphasized the need for Nigerians to recommit themselves to fostering harmony and reinvigorating the spirit of togetherness to realize the ideals of peace, unity, and progress the flag symbolizes.
Pa Akinkunmi, who served the state meritoriously as Chief Agric Officer from the days of the Western Region at the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural retired from active service in 1996. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the national flag to Pa Akinkunmi’s family by the Acting Governor.
Source: Punch
