The remains of the designer of the national flag Taiwo Akinkunmi were on Friday committed to mother earth at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, after over a year of his demise, while a funeral service was earlier held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium on Liberty Road, Ibadan.
Penpushing reports that the service primarily consisted of representatives of the Oyo State Government, students from Akinkunmi’s alma mater, family members, parishioners of Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), and the national choir.
The the designer of the national flag it is recalled died on August 29, 2023, and while speaking, the son of the deceased Akinkunmi Akinwumi, explained that the family proceeded with the burial after the Nigerian government failed to fulfill its promise of a befitting burial.
Penpushing further reports speaking on behalf of the family he pointed out that weary of the unfulfilled promises, the family went ahead with the burial, having received funding support from the Oyo State Government and well-meaning individuals.
The bereaved son described the burial as his happiest moment, which brought to an end the battles fought to secure a national burial for his father adding that the family found strength in the fact that their late father had always cautioned them against being angry about not receiving the desired recognition from Nigeria and instead to focus on contributing to the nation’s improvement.
Penpushing also reports that the son on how best to immortalize his father said the family was open to any manner deemed fit by the Nigerian government and his own remarks the Acting Governor of Oyo State Bayo Lawal, said that governments at all levels have much to do to immortalize and sustain the legacies of the deceased.
The Acting Governor described the late Akinkunmi as a national figure, and noted that the burial should have been a federal government affair rather than being left to the deceased’s family and the Oyo State Government.
Penpushing reports that Lawal said Akinkunmi’s legacies, including designing the flag, emphasize that unity and peace are crucial for national development adding that the green in the national flag reminds the nation’s leaders of the imperative to maximize the nation’s potential in agriculture and solid minerals for its prosperity.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Mr. Bolaji Ayorinde at the event, said the national flag reminds Nigerians that the ideals of peace, unity, and progress can be achieved if commonality and harmony are fostered among communities.
Penpushing further reports that Lawal emphasized that Nigerians could also learn from Akinkunmi’s belief in education and knowledge, the consideration of the greater good, embracing a culture of creativity in nation-building, and strength in diversity.
The General Secretary of GOFAMINT, Pastor Femi Omowumi in his sermon at the funeral service, said the deceased demonstrated that one need not hold a political office to contribute to the development of the nation.
Penpushing also reports that he acknowledged that leaders have a greater role, emphasizing that Nigerians must also recognize the need to contribute their quota to the country’s development.
The cleric urged both political office holders and Nigerians at large to avoid using their positions for selfish purposes and to be guided by the fact that everyone will give an account of their deeds, whether alive or dead.
Penpushing reports that Mrs. Remilekun Akinkunmi and Mr. Oladapo Olabisi, and other family members in their tributes, said the late Akinkunmi taught them to be accommodating and loving.
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