Major organizations in Nigeria have expressed their condolences following the death of Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli who passed away in Lagos at the age of 93.
“On behalf of the Board, Management and the entire staff of CAKASA (Nigeria) Company Limited, I acknowledge the news of the transition to glory of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli who slept peacefully in the Lord on 2nd September, 2025. What an irreplaceable loss’’ Cakasa (Nigeria) Company Limited said in a statement.
The statement by the Chairman of CAKASA, Christopher A. Alabi, described Elsie Ajayi Ikoli as a great mother.
“No doubt, the transition of our dearly beloved matriarch had left a great and indelible void in the hearts and minds of not just the immediate family but anyone who had had a rare occasion to meet, interact and acquaint with her.’’
The engineering, procurement and construction company highlighted her virtue and nobility.
“The outpouring of grief and emotion over her transition is a clear affirmation of her personality as an unexampled embodiment of virtue and nobility. She showed love without expectation to all, cared for others without conditions and touched lives in innumerable and invaluable ways.’’
The statement advised Antony George-Ikoli and members of his family not to grieve.
“Mama Elsie Ajayi Ikoli was a rare gem. She personified selflessness, altruism and service to humanity. What a life well lived, a legacy superlatively delivered. She would be sorely missed, but we are not without hope. And so, it is well said that albeit ‘’ nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower.’’ Let us grieve no more. But find hope and strength that whatever our worries and cares may justifiably be on account of her glorious transition. We must give them over to God for He cares for us. God’s care closes every void. His comfort soothes every pain and His love trumps every loss.
It also reminded Antony George-Ikoli of the roles played by Elsie Ajayi Ikoli in the Lord’s Vineyard.
“Thus, as we grieve the irreparable loss, we must take solace in the sublime truth that our sister, having died a worthy daughter of the Lord and servant in His Vineyard, the heavenly hosts are rejoicing to meet her behind the veil of immortality of course.
Similarly, WEMA Bank extended condolences to Anthony George-Ikoli on the passing of his dearly beloved mother.
“As a team, we are deeply saddened by this loss and understand how difficult it is to part with a loved one.
In a letter signed by Business Development Manager, Olaniyi Saheed and Zonal Manager, LM, Lucky Imoisilli, the bank expressed solidarity with the family during the period of mourning.
“Please accept our deepest sympathy and we pray that God grants you and your entire family the strength and comfort you need during this time and may her soul rest in peace.’’
In the same vein, Polaris Bank extended sympathies to the family of Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.
“It was with deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of your dear mother, Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli. On behalf of the Management and Staff of Polaris Bank, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.’’
The bank in a letter by its Relationship Manager, Nta Henshaw and Branch Manager, Cibuzo Ogbonna acknowledged Elsie Ajayi Ikoli’s contributions to the growth of the family.
“We understand that the loss of a mother leaves a void that cannot be easily filled. May you find strength in the cherished memories you shared with her and may her legacy of love and guidance continue to comfort and inspire you. Please be assured of our thoughts and prayers as you go through this period of grief. We stand with you and wish you and your family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
In a related statement, Leaders of the Ijaw Nation have expressed grief over the demise of Anthony George-Ikoli’s mother, Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.
In a press release, the Ijaw leaders paid their deepest and heartfelt condolences, saying that the prayers of the Ijaw people are with Chief Anthony George-Ikoli and his family at this difficult time.
“Our prayers are with you and the entire bereaved family because of this irreparable loss. Though a painful exit of a good mother, but God loves her more’’.
The statement by the Lagos State Chairman, Tonye Leonard Harry and State Secretary, Elayelagha Golden Ambakaderemo commiserated with Anthony George-Ikoli over the demise of his beloved mother, Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.
“Please accept our heartfelt condolences and may you find comfort and strength during this difficult time.”
The statement by the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Lagos chapter urged Anthony George-Ikoli and his relatives to draw strength from the mother’s illuminating attributes of honesty, discipline, resilience and joyful spirit.
“Her sweet memories will forever be etched in our minds’’ the statement added.
Elsie Ajayi Ikoli departed this earth on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in the quiet of her Lagos home.
Credit: Henry Ovie