EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Flag Designer- Son Narrates His Father’s Neglect, Pains, Gains (See Photos)

Due to Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi’s flailing health condition, the Nigerian flag designer couldn’t narrate his experience of how he won the bid to design the Nigerian flag.

But Akinwumi Akinkunmi, his first son and a graduate of Federal Polytechnic Offa exclusively told Naij.com how his father was neglected like a forgotten hero, his pains and gains over the years.

How would you describe your father?

My father is someone who naturally likes to be of service to others. He cares so much about his children, and he is easy-going. He is so passionate about anything he does. One interesting thing you can’t take away from him is the fact that he is passionate about Nigeria getting better.

 

Your father became renowned by designing the Nigerian flag. In the course of your interaction, he must have told you his experience. Can you tell the story?

He actually designed the Nigerian flag in 1958 though it was officially hoisted in 1960. When he designed the flag, he was studying Electrical Engineering at Norway Technical College, London. He came across the advert in a newspaper and he took details and sent his entries. Of course, he never expected he would win but as divinely ordained, he won the competition and his design was accepted by the judges as the best. Though the original flag was designed with the Nigerian coat of arms, the judges made the adjustment and he was given a cash prize of 100 pounds and that single experience changed his story.

L-R Omolola Akinkunmi Alao (daughter), Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi and Son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi

Can you recall instances where being a son to the Nigerian flag designer has brought opportunities your way?

It is natural for me to be happy and feel blessed being the first son of the Nigerian flag designer. I’m always happy especially when I see the Nigerian flag and people talked about what my father did for the country. On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to say I feel bad because of the way he was initially neglected. My father taught us to be contended in life and that has been our philosophy of life. Sometimes, i don’t want people to know me but somehow one thing would expose me. But it brings honour and respect when people make reference to my father’s works.

I remember there was a particular incident when I was in school. My dad and I went to attend his award ceremony in Abuja so I missed a particular lecture. When I got back to school, the lecturer asked why I didn’t attend his lecture. He later sent me out. But I went to his office to beg him and he said if I can give him a genuine reason he would pardon him. I later told him that my dad was one of the awardees at the Nigerian independence ceremony in Abuja. He asked of my name and he collected my handout to check the name written on it. He asked if I’m a son to the man who designed the Nigerian flag and said yes. He gladly pardoned me and that was a memorable experience for me.

Another instance was in year 2010 when former minister of information, late Dora Akinluyi called me to say my dad would be honored. That was during the rebanding Nigeria programme. Before then, nothing was done to honour him since he designed the Nigerian flag. Some government officials had once called in similar manner and nothing would eventually happen. So initially, i didn’t take it serious until we went got to the event, took pictures. It was another memorable day.

You made reference to the fact that your dad was being neglected, kindly expatiate?

Since my dad designed the Nigerian flag in 1958 and was officially used in 1960, the government did not deem it fit to honour him. Apart from the 100 pounds he received as wining price for the entry, he has not received any other form of financial reward. Not until when former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan honored him during the 50th independence celebration and gave him national award OFR and life time salary.

But there was this report that a particular Telecommunication company gave him some money?
MTN is a non-government organization. When the MTN team came to visit (that was the former house), they felt this man was not supposed to be living in that condition They now decided to bring him to the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire show. They now had to change it Who Deserved To Be A Millionaire. He was in the studio, participated in the show in concert with some celebrities who answered questions on his behalf and he won. For what he did for Nigeria, truly he deserves to be a millionaire.

Taiwo Akinkunmi’s residence

Are you saying he has been given adequate honour or recognition as expected?

Well, like I said our philosophy of life as our father us is to be contented. Though I feel he deserves more, we are not in position to demand more.I can’t say this is the particular thing government should do. Whatever they think is ideal to honour the man, it is their call.

What is your message for Nigeria at 55?

My wish is for Nigeria to experience growth and development. I admonish all Nigerians to support the new government in his move to reposition the country. God bless Nigeria.

The post EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Flag Designer- Son Narrates His Father’s Neglect, Pains, Gains (See Photos) appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Sanchez, Muller, Lewandowki Grab Brace On Super Sunday

Arsene Wenger welcomes Manchester United and Louis Van Gaal to the Emirates stadium in the hopes of moving level on points with the red devils in second place.

Second on the table Manchester United visit Arsenal hoping to inflict the Gunner second consecutive defeat at hime after the setback against Olympiakos.

Manchester United bring in Carrick for Schneiderlin while Ashley Young replaces Antonio Valencia. Petr Cech and Theo Walcott start for Arsenal in which is their strongest eleven.

READ ALSO: (Video) Referees Are Responsible For Our Poor Form – Mourinho

Meanwhile Dortmund will hope to end Bayern Munich’s 100% start to the season when they visit Allianz Arena. Thomas Tuchel has breathe new life into Dortmund after the departure of Jurgen Klopp and his side side second in Bundesliga  behind Bayern.

Bayern will hope top scorer Robert Lewandowski is in good form facing his former side while Dotmund can call on Aubameyang to produce the goods.

Lewandowsji celebrates his hat0trick against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League

FACT:

– Arsenal have won 17 games in the Premier League during 2015, no side has won more than that.

– Juan Mata has been directly involved in exactly 50% of Man United’s Premier League goals this season (6 out of 12).

Arsenal XI vs. Manchester United: Cech; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez; Walcott.

Manchester United XI vs. Arsenal: De Gea; Young, Smalling, Blind, Darmian; Carrick, Schweinsteiger; Mata, Rooney, Depay; Martial

Tottenham XI vs. Swansea: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Alli, Dier; Chadli, Eriksen, Lamela; Kane.

Swansea XI vs. Tottenham: Fabianski; Rangel, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Ki, Shelvey, Ayew, Sigurdsson, Montero; Gomis.

Bayern XI vs. Dortmund: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Martinez, Alaba; Alonso, Thiago Alcantara, Gotze; Muller, Douglas Costa, Lewandowski.

Dortmund XI vs. Bayern Munich: Bürki; Piszczek, Hummels, Bender, Sokratis; Gündogan, Weigl; Castro, Kagawa, Mkhitaryan; Aubameyang.

---

FT: Bayern Munich 5 – 1 Dortmund.

Meanwhile in Germany Bayern are running riot against Dortmund. Bayern 5 – 1 Dortmund after 70 mins. Muller (2), Lewandowski (2) and Gotze on the score sheet while Aubemayang scored for Dortmund.

Thomas Muller and Lewandowski celebrate

FULL TIME: Arsenal 3 – 0 Manchester United. Three goals in the opening 2o mins condemns United to Super Sunday defeat. Alexis Sanchez scores a third minuted goal from an Ozil cutback. Ozil himself then found the net following a niccee counter then Sanchez added a third with a powerful shot from 25 yards.

Sanchez celebrates his first goal

90′ Arsenal just looking to see out this game in a lazy manner

89′ Arsenal looking comfortable in possession as they look to see out the match, still Arsenal 3 – 0 Man Utd

82′ SUB: James Wilson comes on for Juan Mata

80′ SUB: Sanchez off, Gibbs on

GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!!! Lewandowski is at it again. Its Bayern 3 – 1 Dortmund. He has now scored 11 goals in his last 4 games for Bayern Munich. The run continues

78′ Gabriel makes a good challenge to rob the ball from Martial in the box

Meanwhile in Germany, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the first player in Bundesliga history to score in the first 8 games of a season. Still Bayern 2 – 1 Dortmund

75′ SUB: Walcott, Ozil off. Giroud, Oxlade-Chamberlain on.

69′ Cech does well to stand tall and deny Fellani a chance to head thee ball at goal from a Schweinsteiger cross

68′ Cech goes down well to deny Schweinsteiger

65′ Manchester United have played better in this second half but the chances are far and between

HT: Bayern 2 – 1 Aubemeyang. Thomad Muller scores two (one penalty) but Aubemeyang pulls one back

61′ Rooney makes space for himself and volleys well from outside the box but Cech does to push around the post

60′ Martial dribbles two in the box and falls but the referee isn’t falling for his theatrics

56′ Arsenal counter lovely with Bellerin and Sanchez but When Bellerin is fed by Walcott he is indecisive and Smalling recovers well to clear

54′ Rooney is booked for a blocking Ozil who was too tricky for him. The game is looking more balanced in this second half

52′ VOLLEY!!!! Ozil takes a freekick but it is blocked. His rebounded volley is also blocked for a corner

51′ Carrick trips Ramsey who was on his way on goal. A card could have been given on another day.

50′ Coquielin is booked for tripping Rooney who was away on a counter

48′ Young creates space for himself and shoots from 25 yards but Petr Cech is up to the task. Catches well and holds well

46′ Second half kicks off. Valencia and Fellaini on, Darmian and Memphis off

GOOOOOAAAAALLLLL!!!! Thomas Mueller scores for Bayern Munich. Bayern 1 – 0 Dortmund

HT: Arsenal 3 – 0 Manchester United. Alexis Sanchez scores a third minuted goal from an Ozil cutback. Ozil himself then found the net following a niccee counter then Sanchez added a third with a powerful shot from 25 yards. All the goals were scored in the first 20mins.

45+ Offside against Walcott

45+ Two minutes of added time given

44′ GREAT SAVE by Cech. Martial holds off Mertesacker and turns superbly but Cech who he finds himself one on one with saves brilliantly

42′ Maroune Fellaini can be seen warming up on the touchline

38′ ANOTHER MISSED CHANCE: Walcott robs Carrick in midfield, feeds Ramsey who gives pass master Ozil who immediately feeds Walcott on the right but the Englishman’s one time shot is way off target

37′ Rooney tries to lob Petr Cech who is in goal but the legendary goalie does well to position himself for a catch

35′ GOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!! Harry Kane scores an own goal. Swansea 2 – 1 Tottenham

33′ WHAT A MISSED CHANCE!!!!! Sanchez feeds Ramsey whose volley is just wide of the target. Arsenal bossing this game from all angles

Kick off: Bayern 0 – 0 Dortmund

29′ Yellow card. Matteo Darmian receives a caution for pulling back Alexis Sanchez

29′ The Bayern Vs Dortmund game will start in a jiffy. Meanwhile its Swansea 1 – 1 Tottenham. Andre Ayew scored for the Swans before Cristian Eriksen scored for Tottenham

24 BRILLIANT STRIKE by Carzola!!!! The Spaniard lobs the ball over Schiwansterger with his head and takes a shot which is just off target. SO CLOSE

21′ Ashley Young is booked after a wrong challenge on Ramsey who was on a counter attack

18′ GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!!! Sanchez scores again. WHAT A ROCKET after Ramsey feeds him on the left

17′ United growing into the game now. Darmian tries a cross but its way off target

16′ Memphis Depay whips a shot cum cross into the box but its cleared by Mertesacker

12′ Manchested United are finding it hard to get going. Wayne Rooney playing behind United two center midfielders and leaving Martial isolated upfront

9′ The pace of the game is slowed down a little since those two goals but Arsenal still looking dangerous with Ozil, Walcott and Ramsey pulling all the strings

6′ GOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!!! Ozil makes it two. Ozil starts off a counter and feeds Walcott who skins Smalling in the box and passes back to him to curl into the net

Alexis Sanchez has now been involved in 6 goals in his last 3 games for Arsenal in all competitions.

5′ GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!!!! Arsenal’s pressure pays off as Alexis Sanchez pokes into the net from Ozil’s cross

3′ Arsenal looking the better side since thhis game started

3′ Arsenal earn a corner off Rooney and when it is played it, it falls to Walcott after some bouncing around but Carrick is there to clear

2′ Carzola plays the free-kick and De Gea has to be alert to clear

1′ Matteo Darmian is punished for a foul on Walcott on the left

1′ Arsenal kick off against Manchester United, Dortmund vs Bayern Munich starts 4.30pm

The post Sanchez, Muller, Lewandowki Grab Brace On Super Sunday appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Nigeria At 55: We Have A Leader Who Is Ready To Kill – Celebrity DJ

Chocolate City’s DJ Caise spoke to Naij.com in a recent chat and touched on the Nigerian sociopolitical state as well as future expectations as the nation marks her 55th Independence Anniversary.

DJ Caise

What do you make of Nigeria at the moment in terms of political and socioeconomic growth and development?

“Every stage matters and we are growing.”

What are your suggestions for the authorities in terms of how to better the polity?

READ ALSO: Nigeria At 55 – The Naked Truth By Victoria Kimani

“Corruption is the bane of this country and thank God we have a leader who is ready to kill this and so we can see things are changing right about now …”

Where do you see Nigeria in a few years from now?

“We’ve had our bad and good moments and  I definitely think we are going higher.”

If you were to be in charge of a state or the nation, what are the top five sectors you will prioritize/ the top five projects you will execute?

“Power (grassroots electrification), Road, Healthcare, Jobs, Youth Empowerment (Sport).” 

READ ALSO: Nigeria At 55: We Are A Country Heading To The Right Direction – Skales

Wish Nigeria a happy Independence in your words

“Wishing  our dreams of a new tomorrow come true for us…. Happy Independence Nigeria .”

 

The post Nigeria At 55: We Have A Leader Who Is Ready To Kill – Celebrity DJ appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

PHOTOS: President Buhari Visits Victims Of Abuja Bomb Blasts In The Hospital

Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, has paid a visit to victims of the bomb blasts which rocked Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday, October 2, 2015.

Naij.com’s earlier report showed that the double explosion left about twenty people dead and many others severely injured.

And after his reaction to the loss of Nigerian citizens, the Nigerian president has now paid a visit to the victims and Naij.com brings you pictures from the visit as obtained by our correspondent in Abuja.

Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, has paid a visit to the victims of the Abuja bomb blast. Photo Credit: Tunji Olusola

President Muhammadu Buhari at the bed of another victim of the Abuja bomb blast. Photo Credit: Tunji Olusola

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the major opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have reacted to the recent setback believe to have been facilitated by the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram.

The post PHOTOS: President Buhari Visits Victims Of Abuja Bomb Blasts In The Hospital appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Abuja Blasts: Terrorists Attempt To Mock Military’s Progress – NLC

The recent multiple bomb blasts in the Kuje and Nyanya areas of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is an attempt to mock the Nigerian military over its recent progress in defeating terrorist group, Boko Haram.

NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba

This is the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), as the workers union today, October 4, released a statement regarding the incident which shook Abuja to its knees.

READ ALSO: Abuja Bombing 2015: Buhari’s Government Repeating Jonathan’s Mistakes

The NLC therefore asked the military not to be deterred by the Abuja blasts while urging them to  remain resolute in their fight against the insurgents.

The workers body also charged the federal government to renew it’s efforts to battle the terrorists by conducting comprehensive investigation of several acts of terrorism across the country with the aim of punishing those assisting the terrorists.

The statement quoted the NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, as saying, the terrorists had by their renewed bombing of Abuja, want to portray to the world a false picture that Nigeria is unsafe for its citizens and visitors.

According to him, the development should spur the military on to improve on their efforts to permanently tame insurgency in Nigeria, Thisday reports.

Meanwhile, the death toll from the incident has risen to 18, as of 4pm, Saturday. Hours later, however, it was provided by the director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Mr Opada Balami, that 20 people had lost their lives.

READ ALSO: We Are Closing In On Boko Haram Sponsors – Nigerian Army

In his reaction, President Muhammadu Buhari  issued a statement condemning the prepatrators of the act, saying that he was distressed over the incident.

In a related development, security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has beefed up security in the nation’s capital after the multiple bomb blasts recently.

The post Abuja Blasts: Terrorists Attempt To Mock Military’s Progress – NLC appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

We Are Closing In On Boko Haram Sponsors – Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has revealed that they have gotten clues about those who were involved in the recent suicide bombings in Maiduguri, the News Agency of Nigeria reports. 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Tukur Yusuf Buratai

Theater Commander, Operation “Lafiya Dole,” Maj.-Gen. Yushau Abubakar today, October 4, stated that investigations had commenced on the clues that the armed forces has gotten as regards the possible sponsors of terrorist group, Boko Haram, but he added that it would take time before reaching a conclusion.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram: Army Discover New Fuel Dump, Arrest Operator

“We searched the houses and certain items that we recovered at the vicinity gave us some clues, investigation on those that we suspect that are either participating or hiding, fueling or conniving with those that carried out those acts, is ongoing.

“They will be exposed in due course,” Abubakar assured

Reacting to the recent spate of bombings by Boko Haram, Abubakar said no amount of distractions would deter the Nigerian Army from ending terrorism in Nigeria by December.

According to him, the bombings were aimed at diverting the attention of the military from achieving its target in the ongoing anti-terrorism war.

READ ALSO: Abuja Bomb Blast: Atiku, Murray-Bruce, Others React

“I want to assure all that for every second that passes, we get more committed to fighting the insurgents; we cannot be deterred.

“We are doing as much as we could to ensure that we completely eradicate the insurgents as quickly as possible because we are aware of the timeline within which to complete the task.

“The citizens need to know that security is their personal responsibility as individuals.They must be able to secure themselves and doing so means they need to be security conscious.

“Any suspicious movement within the environment should be reported to security agents immediately,” he advised.

He further revealed that the military is working on a strategy that would enable citizens pass vital information to security agents without their identity being detected.

READ ALSO: The End Of Boko Haram Is Near: Buhari Reacts To Abuja Bomb Blasts (Photos)

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Defence Headqurters (DHQ) disclosed on Wednesday, September 30, that it had inaugurated a committee to oversee the process of granting amnesty to Boko Haram insurgents.  The committee is to ensure their reintegration into the society.

In a related development, security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has beefed up security in the nation’s capital after the multiple bomb blasts recently.

The post We Are Closing In On Boko Haram Sponsors – Nigerian Army appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Kidnappers/Robbers Turn Rashidi Yekini’s Mansion To Safe House

Former  Super Eagles attaker, Rashidi Yekini died three years ago in Ibadan at the age of 48 with reports claiming he was not as financially bouyant as thought.

According to the Sun, residents of Oni and Sons areas of ring road where Yekini built his mansion are already complaining that the former strikers house might have become a hiding spot for kidnapper and robber after it was left dilapidated since Yekini’s death.

Rashidi Yekini celebrates Nigeria’s first ever World Cup goal in the match against America

Residents of the area have already begun writing to police authorities and a source who spoke to the Sun said the  DPO of Oluyole Division has received a letter from residents who are concerned it has been left unattended to by family members or security agents.

The source said: “The residents are leaving in fear. Their worry is that kidnappers and other hoodlums may convert the property into their fortress and use it to commit heinous crime. They had written the police to ensure they keep an eye on the place.

READ ALSO: What Made Okwaraji A Nigerian Hero?

Three years after Yekini’s demise the place had remained unoccupied and weed had taken over the entire compound.”

Meanwhile the ex-footballers lawyer said the property will never be left to hoodlums. Barrister Jubril Muhammed, claimed he had started working on documents to reclaim the house and put it to use.

Yekini’s mansion on ring road. PHOTO: The Sun

He said: “I m working on the documents we need to put together before putting the property into use. We wont allow hoodlums to take it over.”

He also mentioned that Yekini’s two daughters would be direct beneficiaries of their late father’s wealth.

Meanwhile, the highest goal scorer award during the close season of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) has been renamed the Rashidi Yekini award, the League Management Company has said.

The post Kidnappers/Robbers Turn Rashidi Yekini’s Mansion To Safe House appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.