Why We Are Yet To Immortalise Late Akinkunmi – FG

The Federal Government on Monday, said it is yet to immortalise the late designer of the Nigerian national flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi because it is yet to receive any formal request from the family of the deceased.

The government assures that whatever request put before it by the family as regards immortalising the late icon would be looked into.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris gave the assurance while fielding questions from journalists shortly after paying a courtesy call on the Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde to commiserate the passage of the Oyo state-born icon.

Speaking, the minister who was in the company of the top echelon of the agencies and departments under his ministry said the visit was on the behest of President Bola Tinubu who wants to assure the family of the deceased and Oyo state as a whole of sharing in the pain caused by the death of the icon.

He added that the late Akinkunmi represents the unity and oneness of the country through the legacy he left behind.

READ ALSO: FG Visits Family Of Late Nigeria Flag Designer, Akinkunmi

He said: “Well, the Federal Government was yet to request any request formally for immortalisng the deceased, but I assure you that because of the standing of the deceased, the FG will look into any request that the family forwards to the and we will revert.

On if the FG was considering a state burial, the minister said: “It is the same thing, first we are here at the behest of Mr President to offer our condolences and to also tell the family and the good people of Oyo state the place that the FG places the deceased.

“We know that he is such an iconic individual. He designed one of the most powerful symbols of our collective existence as a country and a nation.

“Therefore Mr President has asked that we come to commiserate with the family and the state and also tell them that Mr President shares with them in this grief, and the FG is with them throughout this period and whatever the request the family puts forward, the FG will look into it.”

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Speaking earlier while receiving the visitors at the executive chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Ibadan, Governor Seyi Makinde said only God knows what inspired late Akinkunmi to design the flag the way he did, but that he must have had in mind a united country that would always be one.

Represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, Makinde said that even though the national anthem has been changed twice, the national flag remained the same owing to the depth of message and meanings it preaches.

He said: “Let me congratulate you on your appointment as a Minister of the Federal Republic.

“Late Pa Akinkunmi designed the flag in 1959 and it has stood the test of time till date, despite having had cause to change the national anthem.

“We must appreciate Akinkunmi for his rich knowledge and deep insight in that he saw agriculture as a key item that will always be especially now in the face of dwindling prices of oil globally. Agriculture seems to be the only way forward.

“Again, the white color on the flag symbolises peace and unity of the nation. The unity and togetherness of the nation remain key to us all.

“We appreciated the president, on behalf of the Akinkunmi family and the entire state, for sending the high delegation to condole with the state.

“Akinkunmi’s legacy will not be lost but will ensure the unity and integrity of the nation. He must have foreseen the need for the nation to go back to agriculture while designing the flag.

“The flag of Nigeria must remind us of unity and cohesion and we in Oyo state are every ready to cooperate with the Federal Government on the unity of the country.”

The minister later led the delegation to pay a condolence visit to the family of the deceased in his Elebu, Ibadan residence.