He wrote:
“Life is indeed transient; I can say boldly that you live a life with a landmark.
“Continue to rest, my father! Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (O.F.R.): Great Man has gone.”
The Nigerian flag
In 1958, while living abroad, Akinkunmi saw an advertisement in a national daily newspaper for the design of the Nigerian national flag, because the country's independence from British rule was imminent.
Out of more than 2,000 submitted proposals, he was chosen.
However, the original design of the flag had a white band flanked by two green ones, and a red sun on top of a radiant white band.
The committee responsible later removed the sun. Akinkunmi's design was chosen for its ingenuity and depth.
The green ribbons represent the country's forests and abundant natural wealth, while the white ribbon represents peace.
It was raised on Independence Day, October 1, 1960, to replace the British Union Jack, while Akinkunmi received £100 for having his design selected. He was awarded the MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Biography
Akinkunmi hails from Abeokuta, Ogun State. He was born on May 10, 1936 but lived in Ibadan.
He attended Baptist Day Secondary School, Ibadan and High School, Ibadan for his secondary education.
