Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi OFR (10 May 1936 – 29 August 2023) was a Nigerian civil servant who was best known for designing Nigeria’s national flag. He was commonly
referred to as Mr. Flag Man. Taiwo Akinkunmi is a name that resonates with national pride and cultural identity in Nigeria. Known for designing the Nigerian national flag,
Akinkunmi’s contribution to the country goes beyond just a piece of cloth; it symbolizes unity, peace, and progress. His story is an inspiring tale of patriotism, creativity, and lasting legacy.
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Early Life and Education
Born on May 10, 1936, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Taiwo Akinkunmi grew up in a colonial Nigeria, a time when the country was on the cusp of independence from British rule.
His early education took place in Ibadan, and he later traveled to London, where he studied electrical engineering at the Norwood Technical College.
Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi was born in Ibadan, of Yoruba origin, the older of a set of twins. He lived with his father until he was 8 years old before he relocated to
the Northern part of Nigeria. He began his early education in the North. After his father’s retirement, he came down to the West and was re-enrolled at Baptist
Day School, Idi-Ikan in Ibadan. He finished from Baptist Day School Idi-kan in 1949, and proceeded to Ibadan Grammar School (IGS) in 1950 where he enjoyed a very good education.
Akinkunmi left IGS in 1955 and took an appointment as an agriculturist at the Western Region Secretariat in Ibadan as a civil servant. oHe would then work
some years before gaining admission to the Norwood Technical College, currently known as Lambeth College in London where he studied electrical engineering.
While studying there, he designed the Nigerian Flag. He returned to Nigeria in 1963 and went back to the agricultural department at the secretariat in Ibadan to
continue where he stopped. He worked as a civil servant until 1994, when hired as Assistant Superintendent of Agriculture. He was honoured as an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and honorary life presidential adviser on 29 September 1994 at the Abuja Conference Centre.
The Flag Design Competition
In 1958, while studying in London, Akinkunmi came across an advertisement about a competition to design a new national flag for Nigeria, which was
preparing for its independence in 1960. Motivated by patriotism and a desire to contribute to his country’s emerging identity, Akinkunmi decided to enter the competition.
Akinkunmi entered the competition which he came across in a library. In his own words, “I took details of what is [to be] expected to design a flag that
would be used by a country that was about to witness [its] independence. I took part in the competition and my design was selected as the best in
the year 1958. In 2021, Akinkunmi unveiled the world’s largest national flag in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
His design was simple yet profound: a green and white vertical-striped flag. The two green stripes represented Nigeria’s lush vegetation and agricultural industry,
while the white stripe symbolized peace and unity. This design was chosen from numerous entries and became the official flag when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960.
Legacy and Recognition
Taiwo Akinkunmi’s flag design has become a powerful national symbol, representing Nigeria on the global stage. Over the years, Akinkunmi has
received numerous accolades and recognition for his contribution to Nigeria’s national identity. In 2008, he was honored with the Member of the Order of
the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Nigerian government.
Despite his significant contribution, Akinkunmi’s later years were marked by struggles, including financial difficulties and health issues. However, his plight
was brought to national attention, and in 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged Akinkunmi’s service to the nation by awarding him a lifetime salary equivalent to that of a presidential aide.
Akinkunmi’s story continues to inspire Nigerians and others around the world. His design is not just a flag but a reminder of the country’s journey to
independence and the enduring values of peace and unity. His work serves as a testament to how individual creativity and patriotism can leave an
indelible mark on a nation’s history.
Taiwo Akinkunmi’s legacy is etched in the heart of every Nigerian through the national flag. His contribution goes beyond the realms of design and artistry; it
is a symbol of national pride, unity, and progress. As Nigeria continues to evolve, Akinkunmi’s flag remains a constant reminder of the country’s rich heritage
and the power of patriotism.
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