Due to Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi’s failing health condition, the Nigerian flag designer couldn’t narrate his experience of how he won the bid to design the Nigerian flag.
How would you describe your father?
My father is someone who naturally likes to be of service to others. He cares so much about his children, and he is easy-going. He is so passionate about anything he does. One interesting thing you can’t take away from him is the fact that he is passionate about Nigeria getting better.
Your father became renowned by designing the Nigerian flag. In the course of your interaction, he must have told you his experience. Can you tell the story?
He actually designed the Nigerian flag in 1958 though it was officially hoisted in 1960. When he designed the flag, he was studying Electrical Engineering at Norway Technical College, London. He came across the advert in a newspaper and he took details and sent his entries. Of course, he never expected he would win but as divinely ordained, he won the competition and his design was accepted by the judges as the best. Though the original flag was designed with the Nigerian coat of arms, the judges made the adjustment and he was given a cash prize of 100 pounds and that single experience changed his story.
L-R Omolola Akinkunmi Alao (daughter), Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi and Son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi
Can you recall instances where being a son to the Nigerian flag designer has brought opportunities your way?
It is natural for me to be happy and feel blessed being the first son of the Nigerian flag designer. I’m always happy especially when I see the Nigerian flag and people talk about what my father did for the country. On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to say I feel bad because of the way he was initially neglected. My father taught us to be contended in life and that has been our philosophy of life. Sometimes, I don’t want people to know me but somehow, one thing would expose me. But it brings honour and respect when people make reference to my father’s works.
I remember there was a particular incident when I was in school. My dad and I went to attend his award ceremony in Abuja so I missed a particular lecture. When I got back to school, the lecturer asked why I didn’t attend his lecture. He later sent me out. But I went to his office to beg him and he said if I can give him a genuine reason he would pardon him. I later told him that my dad was one of the awardees at the Nigerian independence ceremony in Abuja. He asked of my name and he collected my handout to check the name written on it. He asked if I’m a son to the man who designed the Nigerian flag and said yes. He gladly pardoned me and that was a memorable experience for me.
Another instance was in year 2010 when former minister of information, late Dora Akinluyi called me to say my dad would be honored. That was during the rebranding Nigeria programme. Before then, nothing was done to honour him since he designed the Nigerian flag. Some government officials had once called in similar manner and nothing would eventually happen. So initially, I didn’t take it serious until we went to the event and took pictures. It was another memorable day.
You made reference to the fact that your dad was being neglected, kindly expatiate?
Since my dad designed the Nigerian flag in 1958 and was officially used in 1960, the government did not deem it fit to honour him. Apart from the 100 pounds he received as wining price for the entry, he has not received any other form of financial reward. Not until when former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan honored him during the 50th independence celebration and gave him national award OFR and life time salary.
But there was this report that a particular Telecommunication company gave him some money?
MTN is a non-government organization. When the MTN team came to visit (that was the former house), they felt this man was not supposed to be living in that condition They now decided to bring him to the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire show. They now had to change it Who Deserved To Be A Millionaire. He was in the studio, participated in the show in concert with some celebrities who answered questions on his behalf and he won. For what he did for Nigeria, truly he deserves to be a millionaire.
Taiwo Akinkunmi’s residence
Are you saying he has been given adequate honour or recognition as expected?
Well, like I said our philosophy in life, as our father taught us, is to be contented. Though I feel he deserves more, we are not in a position to demand more.I can’t say this is the particular thing government should do. Whatever they think is ideal to honour the man, it is their call.
What is your message for Nigeria at 55?
My wish is for Nigeria to experience growth and development. I admonish all Nigerians to support the new government in his move to reposition the country. God bless Nigeria.
- hmanisblack.blogspot.com.ng
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