Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the man that designed Nigeria’s flag, is dead.

One of his children, who announced his death on Facebook today, said he died in the early hours of yesterday after a brief illness at 85 years.

In 1958, while living abroad, Akinkunmi saw an advertisement in a national daily for the submission of designs for Nigeria’s national flag as the country’s independence from British governance was close.

Among the over 2,000 entries submitted, his was picked.

On the Nigerian flag, the green bands represent the forests and abundant natural wealth of the country, while the white band represents peace.

The flag was raised on Independence Day, October 1, 1960, in place of the British Union Jack, while Akinkunmi was awarded 100 pounds when his design was selected.