Those who describe Nigeria as a forgetful nation may not be wrong when we take into consideration certain aberrations that have occurred in the annals of the country’s existence.
Today, Nigerian leaders and people in positions of authority adorn themselves with the nation’s colour of Green, White and Green, both in local and international gatherings. They claim that this flag represent the glory and honour of Nigeria, yet the man who designed the flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, lives like a serf the same country.
Sharpedgenews .com’s South West Bureau Editor Alaba Abdulrazak, in this report, exposes the nonchalance of Nigeria towards appreciating people like Pa Akinwunmi, in preference for bestowing national awards and grandiloquent chieftaincy tittles to others. Apart from the cash prize of 100 Pounds received by him in 1958 for his design that beat 2,819 other entries, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi was never considered for any other reward from the federal government of Nigeria.
Today, as Nigeria celebrates her 51st independence anniversary, the man who played such notable role in carving a lasting Nigerian identity lives live as a commoner in a remote area of Ibadan called Molade. There is no motorable road leading to Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi’s house at Molade area. And even if there was a motorable road, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi does not have a car. At age of 78, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi has to walk a distance of about 2 kilometers reach the main road where he can get transportation to his destination. This is one Nigerian living hero whose labor may end in vain.
Pa Akinwunmi’s saga is a direct fallout of the formlessness of a non-existent economic structure. The production of the national flag is often handled by every Tom, Dick and Harry. The nation should have ensured that only licensed flag makers in every nook and cranny of the country handle such productions, and should give percentage of the sales which would be patronized by patriotic citizens, willingly without any regimental prompting and then channel resources into a foundation that would protect and reward Akinwunmi’s intellectual property.
Every Nigerian child should be taught something about this great man and his place in our evolution as a country.
In this interview, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi showed that his fire of patriotic devotion to the nation still burns bright. Although his failing health was obvious, Pa Akinkunmi dressed smartly in white guinea brocade and green traditional Yoruba cap. Despite his financial and health conditions, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi does not apportion blames or criticize the government for his situation. His poor health condition allows for a brief interview.
EXCERPTS:
Please introduce yourself, Sir. Who is Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi?
I’ m the man who designed the national flag being used by the country.
Sir, in 1958 when your design was adjudged the best, how old were you then?
I was just 25 years of age.
At the time your design was chosen, did you receive any award from the government?
I received a prize of 100 Pounds and mementos.
After that did you receive any form of appreciation from the government of that time?
Well, I went through with my education and got engaged in agricultural production.
How have you been coping since then?
I have been taking care of myself and family.
How old are you now?
I’m 78 years of age.
Have you received any national award since?
The only one I received was during Babangida’s regime. He decorated me with Grand Member of Order of Niger (GMON).