Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Army General who redesigned emblem yet to be recognised

Nigeria

January 15th every year, Nigeria marks the Armed Forces Remembrance Day starting with the launch of an emblem a month before the anniversary.

The emblem, often a poppy, signifies remembering fallen heroes, honoring veterans, and supporting their families, serving as a national symbol of gratitude for sacrifices made in defense of the country, reminding citizens that their service and loss are not forgotten. 

Wearing it on the left chest symbolizes heartfelt appreciation and solidarity with the military, linking wearers to the cause of those who served and sacrificed, especially during conflicts like World War I/II and the Nigerian Civil War.

However, the old emblem was not benefiting from the Nigerian Army excellence and the struggle of officers represented in the minds of citizens they vowed to protect.

In a move to reposition it, Maj-Gen Nicholas Rogers (rtd.) who served as the Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri, Borno State and Commander Operation Safe Haven, in Plateau State redesigned the emblem in 2014.

Speaking in an interview with our correspondent on the gains of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Gen. Nicholas highlighted the significance, informing that the emblem is meant to generate funds for the families of fallen heroes.

In our conversation he revealed that he redesigned the emblem to what it looks today, saying the former was too large in size to be worn and carried about.

When asked if he has been compensated or recognised by the federal government for coming up with such a dignified design that also serves as a national unity, he shook his head in displeasure, leaving our correspondent to wonder where the government places its priorities.

How can a designer of an emblem meant to remember and  generate funds for Nigeria’s fallen heroes, injured veterans, and serving troops battling insecurity across the country be left unnoticed just like the man who designed Nigeria’s national flag, Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (often called “Mr. Flag Man”). 

This emblem is worn by the President of the country, Ministers, Senators, House of Assembly members and indeed majority of notable Nigerians. Yet, the Army General who designed it is left unnoticed without anyone mentioning his name.

“We dont wanted the treatment of the flag man to be meted out to this fine Army General”, an observer said.

The flag man was never recognised by the federal government until his death.

He lived most of his life in relative obscurity and faced significant financial struggles, despite his iconic creation, before receiving posthumous recognition. 

He designed the Nigerian flag 1959 while studying engineering in London at age 23. He designed a green-white-green vertical band that was selected from over 2,000 entries.

It is sad that he never lived to be remembered and until his demise.

As we remember the county’s fallen heroes on January 15th, the federal government should also remember the designer of the emblem which has been putting smiles on the faces of numerous families of fallen Nigerian military men and officers, our correspondent reports.