Oyo lawmakers ask FG to honour flag designer

SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 

Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi

As the nation prepares for the 53rd independence anniversary, the Oyo State House of Assembly on Wednesday asked the Federal Government to recognise the designer of the national flag, Taiwo Akinkunmi.

In a motion by Ibrahim Bolomope, representing Egbeda Constituency in the House, Akinkunmi, who was also present at the sitting, was described as a hardworking Nigerian. He entered and won the competition to design a flag for the country in 1958 when he was a student of Norwich Technical College in London.

The motion also said  the state government should come to the aid of 77-year-old Akinkunmi, whose health had deteriorated.

The motion wanted the Oyo State Government to compel the state pension board to commence payment of monthly gratuity to Akinkunmi, while also urging Governor Abiola Ajimobi to direct the Oyo State Road Management Authority and Oyo State Rural Electrification Board to rehabilitate the road leading to Akinkunmi’s home in Ibadan and provide stable electricity to the community.

In his appeal to the Federal Government, Bolomope said that Akinkunmi deserved a national honour more than some of the past recipients.

House speaker, Monsurat Sumonu, said an open letter would be sent to the Presidency and the National Assembly, calling their attention to the plight of Akinkunmi.

The House gave a sum of N250, 000 to the man.