On Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the federal government was yet to receive a formal request for the immortalisation of the late designer of the Nigerian national flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, from the Akinkunmi family.
He, however, said the federal government was keen to look into the request put before it by the Akinkunmi family regarding the immortalisation of the late icon.
The minister stated this after paying a courtesy call to the Oyo State governor at the governor’s office, en route to paying a condolence visit to the Akinkunmi family in Ibadan on Monday.
Speaking, the minister said the visit to Ibadan was mandated by President Bola Tinubu to assure the government’s support for the family of the deceased.
He noted that Akinkunmi will be remembered for the unity and oneness of the country he represented.
He said: “The Federal Government is yet to request any request formally for the immortalisation of the deceased, but I assure you that because of the standing of the deceased, the FG will look into any request that the family forwards to it, and we will revert.”
On whether the FG was considering a state burial, the Minister said: “It is the same thing; first, we are here at the behest of Mr President to offer our condolences and to also tell the family and the good people of Oyo State the place that the FG places the deceased.
“We know that he is such an iconic individual. He designed one of the most powerful symbols of our collective existence as a country and a nation.
Therefore, Mr President has asked that we come to commiserate with the family and the state and also tell them that Mr President shares with them in this grief, and the FG is with them throughout this period, and whatever the request the family puts forward, the FG will look into it.”
Speaking earlier while receiving the visitors at the governor’s office, Governor Seyi Makinde praised Akinkunmi’s choice of colours for the nation’s flag and its symbolism.
Represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, Makinde, while the nation had cause to change the national anthem, the flag has stood the test of time.
He added: “We must appreciate Akinkunmi for his rich knowledge and deep insight in that he saw agriculture as a key item that will always be, especially now in the face of dwindling oil prices globally. Agriculture seems to be the only way forward.
“Again, the white colour on the flag symbolises the peace and unity of the nation. The unity and togetherness of the nation remain key to us all.
“Akinkunmi’s legacy will not be lost but will ensure the unity and integrity of the nation. He must have seen the need for the nation to go back to agriculture while designing the flag.
“The flag of Nigeria must remind us of unity and cohesion, and we in Oyo State are ready to cooperate with the Federal Government on the unity of the country.
“We appreciate the president, on behalf of the Akinkunmi family and the entire state, for sending the high delegation to condole with the state.”
The minister later led the delegation to pay a condolence visit to the Ibadan residence of the Akinkunmi family.
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