Ernest Ikoli Foundation Highlights Nationalist’s Role in Nigeria’s Independence Movement

The Ernest Ikoli Foundation has highlighted the contributions of Chief Ernest Sesei Ikoli to Nigeria’s early nationalist movement, journalism and public life. The foundation described him as a strong advocate of national unity, self-determination, open government and better working conditions for Nigerians under colonial rule. Ikoli represented Lagos in the colonial Legislative Council after winning the 1941 election as the Nigerian Youth Movement candidate. He later became president of the movement and was re-elected to the council in 1946. He also used journalism to challenge colonial policies through publications including the African Messenger, Daily Times and The Daily Service. Born in Brass in 1893, Ikoli was involved in Pan-African and nationalist organising, including the Nigerian Youth Movement, the Union of Young Nigerians and Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association. The foundation urged leaders to draw lessons from his courage, discipline, fairness and commitment to public service.

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