President Bola Tinubu on Monday said the late Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi exhibited patriotism, renewed hope and aspiration for peace and unity when he designed the National Flag in his 20s.

The President said this in his condolence message delivered to the Akinkunmi family in Ibadan by a Federal Government delegation.

The delegation was led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.

President Tinubu urged youths in the country to believe and support the Renewed Hope agenda of the present administration to develop programmes that would lead to Nigeria’s prosperity.

“When then national flag was designed, Pa Akinkunmi was in his 20s. He lived many years after and the flag is still flying.

“Our youths must believe in this country like Pa Akinkunmi, every youth must know that the current Renewed Hope agenda is put forward for all to come together to live in peace and unity, and to develop programmes for Nigeria’s prosperity.

“No doubt, Pa Akinkunmi has been a powerful iconic symbol for Nigeria’s national unity. The flag he designed remains one of the most powerful symbols of our national existence, sovereignty and independence as a country,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the family, Mrs Remilekun Akinkunmi,  a daughter-in-law to the deceased, thanked the President for sending a powerful delegation to the family for the condolence visit.

She said the visit showed that President Tinubu recognises the contributions of Pa Akinkunmi to the progress and unity of Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those on the Federal Government delegation included the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Garba Abari.

The delegation also had the Director, Public Communication and Orientation, Mr Sunday Baba.

They were accompanied by others such as the Zonal Director, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr Popoola Waheed, and the Ibadan Zonal Manager of NAN, Mr Olawale Alabi.(NAN)