The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi saddened to hear about the death of a great patriot, Pa. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (OFR), who designed our country’s National flag.
Akinkunmi a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State died in the early hours of Tuesday after a brief illness.
Taken to his X handle, the former Anambra State Governor, said that Akinkunmi played a very special role in capturing Nigeria’s rich identity in the eternal symbolism of the national flag remains memorable.
Read Full statement below:
I was saddened to hear about the death of a great patriot, Pa. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (OFR), who designed our country’s National flag. The very special role that this gifted man played in capturing Nigeria’s rich identity in the eternal symbolism of the national flag remains memorable. The Green-White-Green is now permanently etched in the consciousness of all Nigerians as the banner of our very identity as a nation and one people. I am convinced that living out our true identity as a nation in unity and harmony remains the best way to honour this great patriot. Sometimes, the deep meaning conveyed through the colours of our flag seems lost on us, and sadly so. The green bands on the flag represent the forests and abundant natural wealth of the country, while the white band represents the peace and unity of the nation.
Therefore, moving our nation from consumption to production for the benefit of every Nigerian is easily the only way we can leverage our rich and abundant natural resources. And in doing this, we will be fostering peace and unity in our now highly polarized nation.
By so doing, Pa. Akinkunmi will be deservedly honoured, and his achievements will remain ever memorable. I condole with his immediate family, the people and the Government of Ogun State, and the entire nation over his irreplaceable loss.
May God who called him home grant him eternal rest. Salute to a great symbolist of a great nation. An even greater Nigeria is POssible and lies ahead of us. -PO
