The family of the late Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigeria’s national flag, has called on the Federal Government to take further steps in honouring his legacy by officially immortalizing him and providing employment opportunities for his children.
This appeal came just two days after the family received a ₦30 million donation from the government. The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, presented the cheque to the family at their residence in Ibadan, fulfilling a previous commitment made by the government.
In a statement released on Saturday, Akinwumi Akinkunmi, the son of the late national icon, expressed deep gratitude to the Federal Government for its financial support. However, he emphasized that beyond monetary assistance, it is important for the government to fully implement the Senate’s resolution to honour his father’s contributions to the nation. The resolution was championed by lawmakers from Oyo State, where the late Akinkunmi hailed from.
“The family of Late Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigeria’s National Flag, sincerely appreciates the Federal Government for keeping its promise to honour our father’s memory. This recognition comes despite the fact that the Oyo State Government had already given our father and national hero a befitting burial,” the statement read.
The family further urged the government to act promptly in immortalizing their late patriarch. They referenced a motion moved in the Senate by Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, representing Oyo South senatorial district, which was supported by Senators Abdulfatah Buhari and Yunus Akintunde. The call for immortalization was also backed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, who had personally visited the family to offer condolences.
Additionally, the family appealed to the government to provide employment for Akinkunmi’s children. They argued that such a move would not only be a significant gesture of appreciation but would also serve to inspire patriotism and encourage a culture of national service among Nigerians.
“It would bring us even greater joy as a family if the children of our late father could be considered for government employment. This would not only recognize his immense contributions to Nigeria but also serve as a lesson to the younger generation on the importance of being dedicated to one’s country,” the statement continued.
Despite their requests, the family reiterated their heartfelt gratitude for the recognition and support they had already received. They acknowledged that the government’s commitment to preserving their father’s legacy was a step in the right direction and expressed hope that further measures would be taken to immortalize him appropriately.
