Chief Eric Teniola, fondly called Ericoco, is a distinguished Nigerian journalist, author, and former Director of Press at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Born in Idanre, Ondo State, and long based in Lagos, he has dedicated his life to chronicling Nigeria’s political journey with depth, courage, and unwavering integrity.
His career began in 1972, when he made a bold move from the security of the civil service where he worked as Senior Technical Assistant at the Ministry of Works to the unpredictable but exciting world of journalism. Accepting a lower salary to join the Nigerian Tribune under the leadership of Lateef Jakande and Editor Ikhan Yakubu, he quickly proved himself in court reporting, the traditional proving ground for new reporters at the time.
From the Tribune, he moved to the Nigerian Herald and later became the pioneer journalist and State Editor for The Punch in Ibadan. His assignments took him to the heart of Nigeria’s defining moments, including the Constitutional Drafting Committee and the Constituent Assembly of 1975. In 1975, he was elected Western State Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and by 1977, he rose to become the National Secretary cementing his influence within the profession.
Beyond his newsroom achievements, Teniola brought his sharp analytical mind to government service as a press director, giving him a unique dual perspective on governance and media. He has authored influential works such as” A Right Honourable Gentleman”.”The Life and Times of Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa” and “This House Has Fallen”, alongside countless opinion pieces dissecting Nigeria’s political history, colonial legacy, and governance challenges.
Chief Eric Teniola’s life is a testament to the power of passion, integrity, and service. His journey shows that true success lies not just in titles held, but in the truths told, the history preserved, and the positive impact left on a nation’s conscience.