Senator Sharafadeen Alli has moved a motion for the immortalisation and organisation of a state burial for the designer of the Nigerian National Flag, the late Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi OFR.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District made this known in a release by his Special Adviser (Media), Akeem Abas.

Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State, died at his Ibadan, Oyo State home on 29 August, 2023 at the age of 87, after a brief illness.

He came across an advertisement in national newspaper in 1958, calling for submission of designs for a national flag for Nigeria, then at the threshold of gaining its independence to become a sovereign country.

The entry by Pa Akinkunmi was adjudged the best among the almost 2,000 entries submitted.

Senator Alli stated in the release on Tuesday, 21st of November, 2023 which indicated that I moved a motion for [the] immortalisation and organisation of state burial for late Taiwo Akinkunmi, OFR ‘Mr Flag’, the designer of the Nigerian National Flag whom the nation lost to the cold hands of death on August 29, 2023.

“I moved the motion before the esteemed Senate to recognise and honour the outstanding contributions of Taiwo Akinkunmi, the distinguished designer and creative mind behind Nigeria’s national flag, an enduring symbol of our nation’s unity, strength and identity.

“In the motion, I urged the Senate to observe a minute silence in honour late Mr Taiwo Akinkunmi, mourn his death, immortalise him and organise a befitting state burial for this national hero.”

In its resolve, the Senate observed a minute silence in honour of the Akinkumi, mourned the loss and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones.

It recognised the late Akinkunmi’s exceptional and patriotic service to Nigeria through his design of the Nigerian national flag

The Senate urged the Federal Government to immortalise the memory of Mr. Taiwo Akinkunmi OFR, Mr. Flag by establishing a befitting and enduring tribute in his honour.

This may include naming a prominent national monument, institution or public space after him, and creating an educational programme that can inform present and future generations about his significant role in Nigeria’s history.

In recognition of his immense contributions to the nation, the Senate further urged the Federal Government to accord Mr. Taiwo Akinkunmi a state burial, befitting his role as a national hero and symbol of our unity and pride.

Also to ensure that Mr. Akinkunmi’s legacy endures, the Senate charged the government to support initiatives that document his life story and achievements.

Doing this, it stated, was for historical preservation and education, including the production of literature, documentaries and exhibits that highlight his contributions to the nation.

The Senate called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to immortalise his name and provide him with a state burial worthy of a national hero so that his memory will continue to inspire young Nigerians.

It resolved that such efforts when honoured would foster sense of patriotism and dedication to the service of our great future generation and unite the people of Nigeria.