The Ernest Ikoli Foundation has entered into a partnership with Gavel International to institute awards in honour of the late Ernest Sesei Ikoli, a pioneering Nigerian journalist, nationalist and politician.
The partnership, which is expected to deepen the recognition of Ikoli’s contributions to journalism, democracy and Nigeria’s struggle for independence, will form part of the 2026 Gavel International Annual Lecture and Awards scheduled for November 17, 2026.
The agreement was endorsed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Ernest Ikoli Foundation, Chief Anthony George-Ikoli, SAN, a grandson of the late nationalist, and the Publisher of Gavel International, Mr Mustapha Adekunle Ogunsakin, on behalf of their respective organisations.
Under the arrangement, Gavel International will institute AWARDS in memory of Ikoli, who was the first Nigerian editor of the Daily Times and one of the prominent figures in Nigeria’s nationalist movement.
The Ernest Ikoli Foundation was established to preserve and promote the legacy of the pioneering journalist and nationalist. The foundation celebrates his contributions to journalism, democracy, freedom and the struggle against discrimination and colonial rule, while encouraging contemporary political leaders and media professionals to uphold the values of integrity and public service associated with his career.
Ikoli, who lived from 1893 to 1960, was the first Nigerian editor of the Daily Times. He also published the African Messenger and worked with the Lagos Weekly Record.
As a nationalist, he played a prominent role in the development of Nigeria’s early political movements, including the Nigerian Youth Movement. He was also associated with the Universal Negro Improvement Association and was involved in campaigns against colonial policies and for greater political rights and self-government.
Speaking on the partnership, the parties said the initiative would provide an opportunity to preserve Ikoli’s legacy while encouraging excellence in journalism, public service and democratic development.
Gavel International is a Nigerian digital news platform published by Ogunsakin. The platform focuses on the administration of justice, legal and constitutional developments, human rights, governance, national security, public policy and accountability. Based in Ikeja, Lagos, Gavel International also organises public lectures and conferences on major national issues, including judicial reform, human rights, electoral matters and security.
The media organisation and its publisher have received recognition for media partnership and social impact from professional organisations, including the Nigeria Association of Social Workers. Gavel International is a member of the prestigious Guild of Corporate Online Publishers(GOCOP).
The Gavel International Annual Lecture and Awards 2026 will hold at the Main Hall of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Central Business District, Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos, on November 17.
The theme of this year’s lecture is “Nigeria’s Electoral Process: Managing the Boundaries of Judicial Intervention.”
The lecture will be delivered by Hon. Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, JCA (rtd.), an eminent jurist and retired Justice of the Court of Appeal.
The partnership with the Ernest Ikoli Foundation is expected to add a historical dimension to the annual event by connecting contemporary debates on democracy, the media and the rule of law with the legacy of one of Nigeria’s early champions of journalism and self-government.
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