10 Things You Don't Know About Nigerian Flag Designer

The history of Nigeria’s independence is incomplete without making reference to the significant contribution of Taiwo Akinkunmi who designed the Nigerian flag 58 years ago.

The Nigerian flag is symbolically significant and that explains why Akinkunmi’s heroic design enshrined his name in the Nigerian hall of fame.

But unfortunately, this hero was not celebrated until when former president Goodluck Jonathan conferred him with the honour;  Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2010 during the 50th independence anniversary.

Goodluck Jonathan honors Taiwo Akinkunmi, accompanied by his son Akinwumi Akinkunmi

fact-finding mission to unearth facts about the Nigeria’s hero:
1. Akinkunmi designed the Nigerian flag in 1958 but officially hoisted on October 1, 1960.

2. Taiwo Akinkunmi was an undergraduate of Norway Technical College, London when he designed the flag.

3. He was 25 when he designed the flag.

Taiwo Akinkunmi’s residence

4. Among other 2000 entries , he won the bid to design the Nigerian due to its ingenuity and uniqueness. He received a cash prize 100 pounds.
5. Taiwo Akinkunmi hails from Owu, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

6. He is married to Kudirat Akinkunmi, a business woman of Ibadan extraction.

7. His father hails from Owu while his mother is from Offa in Kwara state.

8. His favourite food is Semo while his favorite colour is white. This might have informed his decision to choose green and white for the Nigerian flag.

9. He was honoured by President Goodluck Jonathan in October 2010 during Nigeria’s celebration of its 50th independence anniversary. He was conferred Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) .

10. Akinkunmi is now receives a life time salary equal to wages of a presidential special assistant.

Taiwo Akinkunmi spent the best part of his life abroad (where he designed the flag) and came back to the country to work in the ministry of Agriculture in the time of western region until his was reportedly retired in 1993 due to his protracted illness.