Nigeria is no doubt the giant of Africa in terms of human and material resources. When we are talking about history of Nigeria today, it is not yet complete if one fails to mention the symbol of Nigeria in the place of “National Flag” which was designed in the colour green-white-green. Talking about National flag without mentioning the hand that designed it is like acknowledging the mere ingredients in the soup without referencing the hands that prepared it. Taiwo Akinkunmi has indeed registered his name with an indelible mark that can never be erased in the history of Nigeria by putting together the unique colour of the flag which really granted independence to Nigeria in 1960.
Saturday 30th of May, 2009 was very historic in the life of the man fired with patriotic zeal who gave his country its flag. It was a day of joy and appreciation to God as Akinkunmi clocks 73. A visit was made to his residence on 29th of May, 2009 (Democracy Day) and Baba used the avenue to give thanks to God for sparing his life. He also thanks some eminent Nigerians and organizations who showed him care when he needed it most. Among them are ALTIMA COMMUNICATION (The organizer of “who should be a millionaire T.V. Programme sponsored by MTN), Oodua Investment Ltd., Broadcast Media (both print and electronic) e.t.c. Baba Akinkunmi used the occasion to thank Almighty God for the privilege to witness his 73rd birthday on earth and also used the occasion to appeal to Nigerian Leaders that they should allow the dividend of Democracy to flow to the people at the grassroots. Despite the abundant natural resources of Nigeria, over 60% Nigerians are still experiencing what we can call abject poverty, even those who have spent their apex years serving the Nation could not boast of three square meal after their retirement. Democracies that suppose to bring relief to the people have now turned to an avenue of the few privileged that are in power and living big at the expense of the ruled, he lamented.
Taiwo Akinkunmi who hailed from Owu in Abeokuta, Ogun State was a Student of Norwich Technical College, England when he saw the advertisement in the national daily that the entry was going on for Nigerian National Flag. Akinkunmi, who was a student of Agric Engineering then got the zeal to contribute to the independence of his fatherland quickly prepared his entry and sent it to Lagos where his entry was eventually picked in 1958 as the best and the flag was used to celebrate independent Nigeria on October 1, 1960 when the Union Jack (British Flag) was lowered for Nigeria Flag in the colour green white green to take its place on air.
Taiwo Akinkunmi though still living in penury believed that gradually Nigeria is gaining her image back as a sovereign state since 1999 when we switched back to democratic system of government. He further added that Nigeria can only gain a full stature of a democratic state if all joins hands together to fight corruption and elevate justice, equity and human right which are the bedrock of democracy.
Akinkunmi who have received numerous award from both individual and organizations is presently living in Ibadan and he’s looking forward to a day that Federal government would deem it fit to honor him with National Award.
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Olaniran, Olawale Sunday is the author of the popular book ‘Nigeria So Far’. He can be reached on (234) 07033955770 and (234) 08054031719. E-mail: xundey22@yahoo.com Website: www.olawaleolaniran.blogspot.com
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