Jonathan Places National Flag Designer, Akinkunmi on Special Assistant's Salary

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday again honoured the designer of Nigeria's flag, Mr. Taiwo Akinkunmi. The honour came as the President delivered his speech during the conferment of National Awards for deserving Nigerians. 

The President directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure that "Akinkunmi is placed on the salary of a Special Assistant to the President forever". It will be recalled that Akinkunmi designed the flag before Nigeria's independence, with the green symbolizing agriculture while the white symbolizes peace. 

Akinkunmi had been given a National Award years before but 2014 would be remembered as the year of the real recognition for his feat. 

3 of the 313 recipients of the award were also deemed fit for extra honour as the President instructed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to give the trio of Corporal Solomon Dauda, Mr Onu Isaac Michael and Mr Eme Izuwa a flat each. Dauda earned himself the award as a result of his dexterity at directing traffic as exhibited by the zeal with which he works. At times, he does some acrobatic moves to the admiration of motorists. 

Onu Isaac Michael is the Head Steward in the Presidential villa and he has served 9 Heads of Governments from Alhaji Shehu Shagari. Eme Izuwa is a 66-year-old driver who operates a cab at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. He once carried an expatriate and on alighting, the passenger forgot a travel bag which contained vital documents and the sum of N 18 million. Izuwa traced the owner of the bag and delivered it with the contents intact.