Taiwo Akinkunmi: Designer of Nigeria’s flag honoured in Abuja, placed on N500k monthly salary for life

Pa. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi OFR, the designer of Nigeria’s national flag, commonly called “Mr. Flag Man” was on Saturday honoured in Abuja for his contribution to Nigeria.

The elder statesman, who clocked 83 last May, was also placed on N500k monthly stipend for life by the Nzenweofor Group at the just concluded maiden edition of the LACLIC GOLDEN HEROES AWARD held inside the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

Speaking during the well-attended event, Chief Ndubuisi Nzenweofor, the CEO of the Nzenweofor Group, said the award was put together to honour Nigerians who have laboured to put the country on the world map.

“Just like we sing in the first stanza of our National Anthem; that the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain, this is one of the ways to ensure that the sacrifices they made for this country are not in vain.

“Pa. Akinkunmi is a perfect example of one of the heroes and this is one of the ways to honour them. We have so many of them around the country, dead and alive and we must honour them in their graves,” he said.

IDOMA VOICE gathered that the Nzenweofor Group had paid two months salary upfront for Pa. Akinkunmi’s upkeep.

The also decried the fact that no street in Abuja has been named after the national hero.

Just last week, the Nzenweofor Group also donated 500 bags of rice and N3m cash to wives of late military personnel, under the umbrella of Military Widows Association (MIWA).

Others honoured at the award night were: the late Dora Akunyili, Rubby Nell, Stella Adadevoh (of the ebola fame), Sen. Franca Afegbua and host of others

Mrs. Veronica Aloko, who is the National President of the group, confirmed receipt of the items.

The event was witnessed by top politicians, entertainers and many Nigerians including minister designate and former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Dame Pauline Tallen, Alh Danladi Pasali, the National Coordinator Buhari Campaign Organization.

Others were Nollywood stars, Ramsey Noah, Zack Orji, Ejike Asiegbu, Segun Arinze, Francis Ordega and host of others.

Here are pictures from the event.