01/10/2026
Did you know Nigeria's flag was designed by a student, and that it originally had a red sun in the middle? ๐ณ๐ฌ
In 1958, a young Nigerian named Taiwo Akinkunmi was studying in London when he saw a newspaper advert from home calling for flag designs. More than 2,000 people entered. His design won.
But before it flew, the committee made one change: they removed the sun. They kept the green for agriculture and the white for unity and peace.
That green-white-green has been our flag since 1 October 1960. 66 years, never changed.
Today we celebrate Nigeria, and Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi (1936โ2023), the man who gave us the flag we carry at home and abroad. ๐๐ค๐
Tell us in the comments: did you know about the sun? ๐
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
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