The family of the late Taiwo Akinkunmi, designer of Nigeria’s national flag, has urged the Federal Government to immortalise him and provide employment for his children.

Their appeal came two days after receiving a ₦30 million donation from the government. The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, officially presented the cheque to the family at their residence in Ibadan.

In a statement on Saturday, Akinkunmi’s son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi, expressed gratitude for the financial support but emphasised the need for further recognition. He called on the government to fulfill the Senate’s resolution, which was championed by Oyo State lawmakers, to honour the late national icon.

“The family of Late Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, National Flag Designer, sincerely appreciates the thoughtfulness of the Federal Government of Nigeria for not reneging on its promise by honouring the memory of our patriarch, not minding the fact that Oyo State Government had earlier given our father and National Icon a befitting burial.

“In the same vein, while we are appealing to the government for prompt immortalization of late Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi as moved at the upper chamber by the Senator representing Oyo South senatorial district, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, and backed by Senator Abdulfatah Buhari and Senator Yunus Akintunde, as well as Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation during his condolence visit to the deceased’s family,” the statement read.

Additionally, the family requested government employment for Akinkunmi’s children, stating that such a gesture would inspire patriotism and reinforce the importance of national service among Nigerians.

“It will be our greater joy, as a family, that the children of the deceased be fixed into government employment, as this will spur patriotism in many Nigerians and teach the younger generations on the need to be committed to their fatherland,” the statement added.

The family reiterated their appreciation for the government’s recognition and support, noting that it reflects a commitment to preserving the legacy of a national hero.