Lifestyle

Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker (1923–2020): A Legacy of Service and Culture

Published

1 year ago

August 28, 2025

Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker was born on July 22, 1923, in Lagos, Nigeria. He attended the prestigious Church Missionary Society (CMS) Grammar School from 1934 to 1941, where he excelled academically and served as Senior Prefect.

In 1948, he proceeded to the University of Exeter, England, graduating in 1950 with a Diploma in Public Administration. He later studied law at London’s Court Inns and was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in July 1960.

Civil Service Career

Coker began his professional life as an Information Officer in the colonial service, later working in both Northern and Western Nigeria before joining the Lagos State Civil Service after the state was created in 1967.

Key Appointments

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources / Trade and Industry (1968–1970)

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Community Development (1970–1972)

Chairman, Lagos State Scholarship Board (1970–1972)

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Tourism (1972–1975)

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Social Development (1975–1978)

He retired in August 1978 at the statutory age of 55, leaving behind a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and administrative excellence.

Cultural and Social Engagement

Chief Coker was more than a civil servant; he was a cultural figure and historian. He was conferred with the chieftaincy title “Baba Eto of Lagos” by the Oba of Lagos for his contributions to the city’s cultural and social life. He was later honored as “Baba Eto of Yorubaland” and also held the title of Bobagunwa of Igede-Ekiti.

An active member of Lagos’ social circles, he served as president of both the Yoruba Tennis Club and the Island Club.

Contributions to Literature and Heritage

A passionate historian, Chief Coker authored several significant works, including:

A Nigerian Hero: Sir Adetokunbo Ademola

Iya Eko: Oyinkan Abayomi

The Life of Bishop Kale

These writings reflect his deep commitment to documenting Nigeria’s history and celebrating its icons.
Recognition and Honours

Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Port Harcourt (1993)

Lagos State Government named a clinic in Alausa in his honor.

Final Years and Passing

Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker passed away on August 12, 2020, at the age of 97. Tributes poured in from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, and numerous institutions, all honoring his exceptional contributions to public service and cultural life.

Chief Coker’s life bridged the colonial and post-independence eras of Nigeria. He exemplified the ideals of service, culture, and historical preservation. His legacy remains woven into the civic and cultural fabric of Lagos and beyond.

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Lifestyle

ARE SOME PARENTS CHOOSING MONEY OVER THEIR OWN CHILDREN?

Published

2 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Some parents spend years chasing money, building businesses and accumulating wealth—all in the name of “giving their children a better life.”

But here is the uncomfortable question:

What if your child has everything money can buy, but doesn’t have YOU?

A child needs more than school fees, expensive clothes, gadgets and a comfortable home.

They need your time.
They need your attention.
They need your affection.
They need to know that they are loved, heard and valued.

💰 Money can be earned again.

❤️ But once a child’s trust is broken, rebuilding it may not be easy.

🕰️ And once childhood is gone, you can never buy it back.

Don’t become so busy providing for your children that you forget to actually be present in their lives.

Because one day, your child may remember the money you provided—but they may remember even more clearly the moments you were never there.

🔥 QUESTION:

Do you believe some parents are sacrificing too much family time in the pursuit of money?

Tell us what you think in the comments.

#Newsbreak365 #Parenting #Children #Family #Parenthood #LifeLessons #FamilyValues #Money #Childhood #Relationships

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Lifestyle

A WORD OF WARNING: NEVER LET YOUR SUCCESS MAKE YOU LOOK DOWN ON PEOPLE.

Published

3 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Since you are not feeding anyone, you should never see anyone as being beneath you.

Having money does not make you more human.
Having a degree does not make you more valuable.
Having a big position does not give you the right to disrespect people.

Today, you may be comfortable while someone else is struggling. But life can change unexpectedly. Never use your current advantage to humiliate someone who has less than you.

True greatness is not measured by what you have in your bank account, the car you drive, or the position you occupy.

Your real character is revealed by how you treat people who cannot give you anything in return.

Be humble. Be respectful. Treat people with dignity.

You are not better than anyone simply because you have more than they do.

💬 Do you agree? What do you think makes a person truly great?

#NewsBreak365 #LifeLessons #Respect #Humility #Character #Wisdom #Motivation #Humanity #Inspiration

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Lifestyle

BEING EDUCATED SHOULD NEVER MAKE YOU LOOK DOWN ON AN UNEDUCATED PERSON.

Published

3 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Education should give you knowledge, but character determines how you use that knowledge.

Not everyone had the opportunity to attend school or earn academic qualifications. Some people learned through life, work, family, hardship and experience.

Having a degree does not make someone more valuable than the person without one.

Your education should make you more humble, not more arrogant.

Respect the cleaner.
Respect the farmer.
Respect the mechanic.
Respect the trader.
Respect the labourer.
Respect everyone.

Because the person you look down on today may have life lessons you will never learn in a classroom.

Education is powerful—but humility is priceless.

💬 Do you agree? Can someone be highly educated but still lack wisdom?

#NewsBreak365 #Education #Wisdom #Humility #Respect #LifeLessons #Character #Knowledge #Nigeria #AfricanValues

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