FOUNDATION CALLS ERNEST IKOLI CRUSADER OF TRUTH, SYMBOL OF THE STRUGGLE AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
· LAUDS FIRST EDITOR OF DAILY TIMES FOR ENDING EXTERNAL RULE IN NIGERIA, MENTORING JOURNALISTS, POLITICIANS, TEACHERS
A Nigerian politician, nationalist and pioneering journalist, Chief Ernest Ikoli, has been described as a crusader of truth and a symbol of the struggle against oppression and discrimination in Nigeria.
‘”Chief Ernest Ikoli was a reformer, politician and a great journalist. He campaigned for the birth of the Second Republic and departed, saying his work was done with the attainment of the country’s political independence”.
The former assistant editor of Lagos Weekly Record, first editor of the Daily Times of Nigeria and publisher of African Messenger was also praised for helping to create the Marcus Garvey Universal Negro Improvement Association, People’s Union, Nigeria Youth Movement and the Action Group.
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‘”Chief Ernest Ikoli saw all Africans as one. There was no Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba or Ijaw. There was only one Nigeria, one Africa and one destiny”
The commendation was showered on the patriot, nationalist and educationist by the Ernest Sisei Ikoli Foundation.
The Ernest Ikoli Foundation in a birthday statement Wednesday hailed the foremost journalist for facilitating the exercise of virtues in politicians and labour leaders, creating good journalists in the country, changing lives and advancing the struggles for the independence of Nigeria from British colony rule.
“Chief Ernest Ikoli was endowed with exceptional powers and qualities. He was a good man, a courageous man and an inspiration to many”
The statement celebrating the life of a great Nigerian citizen was signed by the Executive Vice Chairman of Ernest Sisei Ikoli Foundation, Chief Anthony George-Ikoli (SAN).
The statement applauded the frontline political leader and great journalist for advocating steps towards the emancipation of the people, arguing strongly for an end to colonialism and imperialism, creating a number of fantastic networks and influencing the political class in a more egalitarian direction.
The foundation also extolled Ernest Ikoli for putting forward a programme for the development of Nigeria, opening of government to a wider social circle, ending external rule and improving the conditions of workers and institutions through protests and legislations.
‘”Chief Ernest Ikoli wanted a united, industrialized and economically self-reliant nation”
The statement highlighted Ikoli’s eclectic interests, vision of harmonious future, organizational strength, intellectual depth, stable leadership, Christian principles of love of God and man.
“Chief Ernest Ikoli was a bright, amiable and undaunted fellow”
The statement emphasized the magnificent oratory and sense of moderation of the prolific writer of politics, economics and social history.
“Chief Ernest Ikoli was firmly committed to representative democracy and open government”
The statement also underscored his extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity.
Chief Ernest Ikoli was one of the activists of Nigeria’s political history that fought alongside great nationalists leaders like Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello in the struggle for the political independence of Nigeria.
Born on March 25, 1893 in Nembe, the patriot, nationalist and political thinker died on Friday, October 21 at the age of 67 and was buried at Ikoyi Cemetery.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MARCH 25TH 2026)
