By Joy Yesufu

The Federal Government has donated N30 million to the family of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the late designer of Nigeria’s national flag, two years after his passing.
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, alongside the agency’s Oyo State Director, Olukemi Afolayan, officially presented the cheque on Thursday at the late national hero’s residence in Elebu, Ibadan.
Akinkunmi, who designed Nigeria’s iconic green-white-green flag in 1959, died on August 29, 2023, at the age of 87.
Following his demise, President Bola Tinubu sent a government delegation led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on September 4, 2023, for a condolence visit, where a national burial and financial support were promised.
Speaking at the cheque presentation, NOA DG Issa-Onilu emphasized that the N30 million donation was not a payment for Akinkunmi’s contributions but a gesture of appreciation for his service to Nigeria.
“The donation of N30 million to the family of the late national flag designer is not to pay for his services but to support his family in recognition of his immense contributions to the country,” Issa-Onilu stated.
Reacting to the donation, Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, a son of the deceased, expressed his deep appreciation to President Tinubu for fulfilling the government’s promise to the family.