The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has fulfilled a federal government promise by presenting a ₦30 million cheque to the family of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the late designer of the Nigerian national flag, more than a year after his passing.

Issa-Onilu made the presentation during a working visit to the Oyo State Directorate of NOA in Ibadan. While in the state, he also held a sensitization meeting with the Tanker Drivers Association at Tanker Park, Akinyele/Moniya, emphasizing road safety and the dangers of reckless driving.

During the meeting with tanker drivers, the NOA DG warned against sleeping while driving, reckless road behavior, and fuel scooping, which he described as a “death wish” fraught with dangers. He reiterated that fuel scooping is akin to theft and has led to fatal explosions with devastating consequences.

At Pa Akinkunmi’s residence, Issa-Onilu paid tribute to the late designer, calling him a national legend whose flag design remains a symbol of national unity and pride. He then presented a symbolic cheque of ₦30 million to the family, fulfilling a federal government pledge made during Akinkunmi’s burial. The DG assured the family that government support would not be a one-off gesture and that visits would continue periodically.

Issa-Onilu also engaged in a media chat with journalists, where he discussed the agency’s activities, including the National Value Charter, National Identity Project, and ongoing sensitization on fuel scooping. He revealed that NOA has launched jingles in 70 local languages across radio stations nationwide to raise awareness on the dangers of fuel scooping and other critical national issues.

He urged the press to amplify NOA’s messages, ensuring widespread awareness of key national initiatives.