The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has expressed grief over the death of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the man, who designed the Nigerian Flag in 1958, saying his death is a national loss.
A statement by the Institute’s President, Dr. Ike Neliaku today said late Pa Akinkunmi was a patriotic Nigerian, who exhibited the culture of “Nigeria first, and above personal interests”, noting that the nation currently needs a crop of Nigerians who see beyond the precinct of tribe, religion and personal gain to place this country on a sustainable development trajectory.
“Pa Akinkunmi played an early reputational role, offering creative and quality services to his nation with deep sense of nationalism. His work gave sovereign identity to this country, and has projected Nigeria’s image at global space. Through the Green, White Green flag design, the late patriot made the Nigerian brand, a trademark of honour and pride in the comity of nations, which has in the past 65 years reflected fruitfulness, resourcefulness, progress and resilience potentials of Nigeria as country”.
Dr. Neliaku, stressed that Nigeria as a country has lost a rare gem and an icon of Patriotism at a time in our history when passion for service to fatherland is at lowest ebb, and the virtue of love for nation has no place in the hearts of the citizens.
The NIPR President, describing late Pa Akinkunmi as a firm believer in the Nigerian project said his work represents a window through which the global community views our great country Nigeria, in the context of who we are, what we represent, our cultural heritage and our never-die spirit in striving to reach the height of success.
He commended former President Goodluck Jonathan for conferring the retired civil servant with the National Honours Award of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2014, and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to immortalise Pa Akinkunmi by naming a befitting national asset after him.
While praying for the repose of his soul, Dr. Neliaku encouraged family members and entire nation to take solace in the quality of life he lived while on earth.
