FG presents belated pledge to family of Nigeria flag designer

Nigeria’s government on Thursday donated N30m to the family of the national flag designer, late Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi about two years after his death.

DG of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, in company of the Oyo State Director of the agency, Olukemi Afolayan, made the official presentation of the cheque on behalf of the Federal Government at the Elebu, Ibadan, Oyo State residence of the late hero.

Both government officials on Thursday presented the N30 million cheque on behalf of the federal government to Akinkunmi’s family in Ibadan.

Recall on September 4, 2023, President Bola Tinubu had sent a government delegation led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on a condolence visit where it pledged to give the late Nigerian hero a national burial and financial support to the family.

He was buried on September 6, 2024, a year after his demise and after his family’s futile wait for a promised state burial.

Issa-Onilu said the donation was to support Akinkunmi’s family and appreciate him for his contribution to the country.

“The donation of N30 million to the family of renowned national flag designer was not to pay for the services of the late legend but to support his family in appreciation of his contributions to the country,” Issa-Onilu said.

Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, one of the deceased sons, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the gesture.