Taiwo Akinkunmi's Daughtet explains How government can honour her father

Omolola Akinkunmi-Alao, daughter of Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of Nigerian flag has spoken her thoughts on how the Nigerian government can honour her father.

The graduate of Banking and Finance, Kwara Polytechnic, in an exclusive interview told Naij.com the bitter tale of how they managed to survive the neglect suffered by her dad, what government can still do to honour her father and her wishes for Nigerian youths.

 

Speaking on her father, Omolara had this to say:

"My father has been there for me over the years. I’m always happy that he is my father. He is free-minded. When he was younger, everybody in the neighborhood attested his simple lifestyle. There has never been a time he raise his hands to beat me while I was growing up. That is to tell you how much he loves and believes in us. He also likes to impact knowledge."

Speaking on the neglect her family suffered at the hands of the government,

"We thank God for his mercy though it hasn’t been a palatable experience. In fact, several suggestions came from concerned Nigerians who felt bitter that our dad was not honored like a true hero.  Some people see us as being stupid for not being proactive in fighting for our father’s right.

"There was an instance some young people came together from different states to protest for my dad to be compensated. I remember they came up with funning suggestions like burning every single flag to agitate that our father does not deserve to be in this abject condition. They were of the opinion that we ought to be fighting for our dad’s right. They were like we should causing confusion over the streets that Nigerians are fond of not remembering their heroes. My dad came out to address them emphasising his children are not the violent time. He said has thought his children to think of what they can do for Nigeria and not what Nigeria can do for them. His dream is for us to be greater than he is. And this has been a source of inspiration to us.

"To raise flight ticket was a big challenge for us. But one honourable had advised us to try and connect with some people the moment we get there. I was praying for him to be remembered. I was praying not for a plaque kind of award but for something better. I was excited when we got to the stage. He was called last to receive his award. The lesson is, no matter what you go through in life, God can never forget you. It was like a dream come through. People have made promises in the past and they would not fulfil. We have written several letters, no reply. Even when we got reply, is to promise to do something but nothing would be done. God used President Jonathan for my father to be remembered. I’m happy this time: they said and they fulfil it."

The family have since began to see thing looking up for them as part of the reward received by her father is receiving lifetime salary.