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

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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.

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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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Bianca Ojukwu Blasts Critics Who Attacked Her For Attending UK Royal Banquet

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The reaction followed the circulation of photos showing her at the high-profile event, where she appeared in a formal setting among international guests.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, has fired back at a social media user who criticized her for attending a royal banquet in the United Kingdom.

The reaction followed the circulation of photos showing her at the high-profile event, where she appeared in a formal setting among international guests.

The images sparked mixed reactions online, with some users questioning her presence and bringing up her late husband, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

A critic, Onu Chris, accused her of bringing down her husband’s legacy and made a remark about how he would feel.

“If shamelessness was a person. You’ve watered down all that Ojukwu worked for. I can’t imagine his feelings right now in the underworld”, he wrote.

In response, Bianca dismissed the comment and replied that there was no point imagining such, adding that the person could visit the “underworld” to find out.

“No point imagining… Hopefully you can visit that underworld soon so you can get a better idea 🫠”, she replied.

She also responded to another user who mocked her.

The user, @JAguenu wrote, “Any where belle face”.

Ojukwu replied: “Not my fault your own distended belle is facing towards kwashiokor 🫠”

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See also  I Have Never Been Asked For S€x For Roles – Nigerian Actress, Bisola Aiyeola Opens Up
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Concerns Grow As Popular Gospel Singer, Wunmi Awoniyi Solicits Public Support, Prayer

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The singer in a post shared late Saturday night, solicited support from the general public.

Fans and colleagues of Nigerian gospel singer and prophetess Wunmi Awoniyi have raised concerns following a recent post shared on her official social media page.

The singer in a post shared late Saturday night, solicited support from the general public.

The post, which was shared along with her picture, did not

disclose what exactly is wrong with the singer, but noted that she really needs support.

“Her name is prophetess Wunmi Awoniyi. People know her as Gbogomifunmi. Please, she really needs our prayers now”, the post said.

Reacting to the post, her fans and colleagues in the industry, including singer Alewilese, actress, Funmi Awelewa, among others, took to social media to pray and send her words of encouragement

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‘You Leave Problem For Nigeria Go Greet ‘Big Men’ In UK’ – Charly Boy Knocks Tinubu

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Maverick entertainer, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his recent trip to the United Kingdom, accusing him of focusing on foreign engagements while challenges persist at home.

The outspoken activist also faulted the multi-billion-dollar agreement reportedly signed between Nigeria and the British government, questioning its relevance amid the country’s pressing socio-economic realities.

It was reports that in a post shared on Friday via his 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) handle, written in Pidgin English, Charly Boy expressed dismay over the President’s overseas engagement.

“My people, make we yarn truth without sugarcoating. Bola Ahmed Tinubu waka go UK go greet big men, but for house, fire still dey burn. Na who dey deceive who? You leave problem for ground, carry full convoy go snap picture for palace,” he wrote.

He argued that while officials often justify such trips as necessary for strengthening diplomatic ties and sealing agreements, the realities on ground in Nigeria tell a different story.

The entertainer cast doubt on the effectiveness of international agreements in the face of unresolved domestic challenges such as insecurity, erratic power supply, and widespread economic hardship.

“Dem go say na to build relationship, sign agreement, do big big talk. But abeg, if light never stable, security never sure, and people dey cry, which agreement wan first work?” he queried.

Charly Boy also took a swipe at the size of the Nigerian delegation on the trip, describing it as excessive and symbolic of misplaced priorities.

“Even worse, na full squad dem carry go. Governors, ministers, everybody wan show face. E come be like say governance don turn group excursion,” he added.

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Highlighting the continued security challenges in parts of the country, he pointed specifically to the North-East, where residents still grapple with insurgency and humanitarian crises.

“Meanwhile for places like Borno State, people still dey face serious wahala. But our oga dey smile for international camera. Life no be Instagram filter,” he said.

The veteran entertainer concluded by urging the government to prioritise fixing internal issues before seeking validation abroad.

“If your house clean, you no go need go outside go beg for validation. Your people go stand gidigba for you.

“But when ground no balance, even golden handshake go feel like empty promise. Nigeria, open your eye well. This film we dey watch, na rerun,” he added.

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