The family of Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigeria’s national flag, has called on the Federal Government (FG) to immortalize him and provide employment opportunities for his children, in recognition of his contributions to the country.
The appeal was made on Saturday in a statement by Akinkunmi Akinwumi, son of the late national hero, just two days after the family received a ₦30 million donation from the Federal Government.
FG’s ₦30 Million Donation to Akinkunmi’s Family
On Thursday, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, alongside the Oyo State NOA Director, Olukemi Afolayan, officially presented the ₦30 million cheque to the Akinkunmi family at their Ibadan residence. The donation, however, came two years after Taiwo Akinkunmi’s passing.
In response, the family expressed gratitude but emphasized that financial assistance alone was not enough, urging the government to fulfill the Senate’s resolution for Akinkunmi’s immortalisation.
Appeal for Akinkunmi’s Immortalisation
The family referenced a motion moved in the Senate by Oyo South Senator, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, and supported by Senators Abdulfatah Buhari and Yunus Akintunde, advocating for a national honour in Akinkunmi’s name.
"While we appreciate the Federal Government’s gesture, we urge the government to promptly immortalize our father, in line with the resolution passed in the upper chamber," the statement read.
Call for Government Employment for Akinkunmi’s Children
Beyond immortalisation, the family requested that Akinkunmi’s children be offered employment in government agencies, stating that such a move would inspire patriotism and encourage younger generations to serve their nation selflessly.
"It will be our greater joy as a family that the children of the deceased be employed in government positions. This will serve as a motivation for patriotism and teach younger generations the value of commitment to their fatherland," the statement added.
Appreciation to the Federal Government
Despite their appeals, the family expressed deep gratitude for the government’s recognition of their late father’s contributions, stating that the support reflects the FG’s commitment to honouring his legacy.
"Once again, we express our heartfelt appreciation for this timely and thoughtful support extended to us. It truly reflects the government’s commitment to honouring the legacy of our late father, who is an icon, and ensuring the well-being of his family," the statement concluded.
What’s Next?
With the Senate’s resolution already in place, all eyes are now on the Federal Government to see if it will follow through on immortalizing Taiwo Akinkunmi and providing employment opportunities for his children. The family’s appeal highlights a broader issue—how Nigeria recognises and rewards its national heroes beyond financial compensation.
