The delegation of the federal government, led by the minister of information and national orientation, Idris Malagi on Monday, September 4, met the family of the late Pa. Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigeria’s flag.
The minister was accompanied by the director general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Garba Abari, the zonal director of the National Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Zonal Director, and the Zonal Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Olawale Afolabi among others.
Recall that Akinkunmi died last week Tuesday at the age of 86 years after a brief illness.
Speaking with journalists during the condolence visit, Malagi described the deceased as a powerful symbol and iconic for national unity and the existence of Nigeria.
He said Nigerian youth should emulate what Pa. Akinkunmi has done for Nigeria, saying the deceased was in his 20s when the national flag was designed and lived more than 60 years thereafter.
He said: “The president received the news of his demise with shock and he directed this delegation led by me to meet the family here in Ibadan to commiserate with them and to tell them that the President and all Nigerians share in their grieve, and to tell them that Nigeria will ever be grateful to Akinkunmi contributions to our national existence.
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“He didn’t know how powerful it would be while designing the flag as a symbol of peace and unity, we are here to tell the family that Nigeria shares with their grief, Nigeria identifies with them, and the Federal government will stand by the family.
“President Tinubu is serious with the renewed hope agenda for national rebirth and national orientation, the family should take solace in God.
“The renewed hope agenda President Tinubu is putting together is for all of us to live in peace and unity and for the development of Nigeria.
Reacting on behalf of the family, Remi Akinkunmi thanked the Federal government delegation for their presence, saying the family expressed their gratitude towards the visitation.