A world record for the ‘World’s Largest Flag’ was recently unveiled in Ibadan by the Octogenarian Taiwo Akinkunmi, who designed Nigeria’s flag when he was 22 years old. According to the Nigerian Tribune, the flag covers an area of 3,275.6 square metres, a length of 75.3 meters and a width of 43.5 meters.
Prior to the unveiling, the Guinness world record for the largest flag was held by the United Arab Emirate which covers an area of 2,448.6 square meters.
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Recall that Akinkunmi designed the Nigerian national flag in October 1959, and on Thursday, Akinkunmi also unveiled the World’s largest flag at the Polo ground in Ibadan to signify the unity and peace in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Akinkunmi said the journey to creating Nigeria’s national flag started about sixty-three years ago when he was studying electrical engineering at Norwood Technical College in London.
He added that: “I have always dreamt about Nigeria being at the front of every good thing and I’m delighted to be part of this historical event.”
Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, who put up a surprise appearance at the event, said: “Let us always remember that the flag is not a mere symbol of Nigeria, it is a symbol of a United Nigeria.
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Let us work together for unity and love in the country.” The unveiling was attended by members of Pa. Taiwo Akinkunmi’s family, close friends, and gospel singer, Timi Dakolo, who entertain guests with some of his numerous gospel songs as well as the Nigerian national anthem.
It could be recalled in June, that the Federal Government of Nigeria unveiled the second tallest flagpole in Africa. The flagpole which was unveiled at the Malam Alu Agro Allied complex in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, stands at 50.3 metres with a flag width of 20 metres by 10 metres that is visible within a five kilometre radius.
The initiator of the project, Farouk Adamu said the flag erected in the complex was to attract local and international tourists to the farm complex and the state. Nigeria can now boast of the largest flag in the world and the second tallest flagpole in Africa.
