The Ernest Sisei Ikoli Foundation has showered encomium and honored late Lt Col George Otonbara Ikoli, a gallant Nigerian Army Officer who died 32 years ago during the unfortunate Nigerian Army C130 Hercules plane crash at Ejigbo area of Lagos State.
According to the Ernest Sisei Ikoli Foundation, late Otonbara Ikoli is a valiant officer and gentleman.
The Foundation in a statement issued in Lagos stated that ‘’In solemn remembrance of the Nigerian Army C130 Hercules plane crash that occurred 32 years ago, we gather to pay tribute to a brave Nigerian Army Officer and noble gentleman’’
The statement, signed by renowned lawyer, Antony George-Ikoli, recalled the tragic afternoon of September 26, 1992, at Ejigbo, a suburb of Lagos, Nigeria that Lt Col George Otonbara Ikoli , a scion of the esteemed Ernest Ikoli Dynasty lost his life along with 158 of his comrades when he led them on what was supposed to be a routine training exercise.
It emphasized Colonel Ikoli’s bravery, sacrifices, leadership qualities and strong human connections.
‘’Lt Col Ikoli’s bravery and sacrifices as well as his parting words on that fateful morning ‘’come what may, I will not abandon my men’’ remain etched in our hearts as an enduring symbol of courage and representative of the patriotic cloth from which he was cut’’
It also underscored happier memories during the days of Lt Col George Otonbara Ikoli’s life on earth.
‘’His memory remains evergreen as we cling steadfastly to recollections of happier times and ponder fleetingly on the good times that may have been. In our hearts and minds, he will remain a hero, soldier and gentleman for all eternity’
Recall that in 1992, a Nigerian Military Transport Aircraft crashed in Ejigbo in Lagos State killing over 200 persons made up of 153 Army Officers and Eight Foreign Nationals. The Nigerian Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules crashed in the Ejigbo canal. The aircraft, with serial number 911, was taking off at high weight and its three engines failed.