On December 10, 1986, in Stockholm, Sweden, Nigerian writer and playwright Wole Soyinka made history as he became the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.

A famous image from that evening captures Soyinka making a toast with Princess Christina of Sweden during the banquet that followed the Nobel ceremony. The moment symbolized not only personal triumph but also a cultural milestone for Nigeria and Africa at large.

A Historic Achievement

The Nobel Committee honored Soyinka for his work that, in their words, “fashions the drama of existence with the power of poetry.” His writings combined Yoruba oral traditions, history, and Western dramatic techniques, producing works that explored tyranny, corruption, colonial legacies, and the human struggle for dignity.

Pride for Africa

For Nigeria and the wider African continent, Soyinka’s recognition represented far more than an individual award—it was a statement that African voices, rooted in indigenous cultures yet addressing global issues, had earned a central place in world literature.

Symbol of Resistance and Artistry

Soyinka was not only celebrated for his literary genius but also for his lifelong stance as a resistant voice against oppression. From his plays like A Dance of the Forests (1960) to his political activism—sometimes at great personal cost—his Nobel Prize reflected the merging of art and moral courage.

Legacy of the 1986 Nobel

This occasion elevated African literature on the global stage and inspired generations of writers across the continent. The photograph of Soyinka toasting with Princess Christina remains a powerful image of cultural recognition and resilience, reminding the world of the universality and impact of African storytelling.

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The history of Nigerian literature and journalism cannot be told without mentioning Isaac Babalola Thomas (1888–1963), a pioneering journalist and cultural figure whose influence shaped early print media in Lagos. He is remembered not only for his groundbreaking work in journalism but also for authoring what is widely regarded as Nigeria’s first novel, Itan Igbesi Aiye Emi Segilola Eleyinju Ege (The Life Story of Me, Segilola).

Isaac B. Thomas: Journalist and Innovator

Born in Lagos in 1888, Isaac B. Thomas received his early education at Christ School. He rose to prominence as a journalist and publisher during the colonial era. In 1928, he founded the bilingual weekly newspaper Akede Eko, which published in both Yoruba and English, making news accessible to a wider audience in Lagos. A year later, in 1929, he made history again by launching The Nigerian Evening News, the first evening newspaper in West Africa.

Through these platforms, Thomas established himself as a bold voice in Nigerian journalism, addressing issues of colonial life, social morality, and urban politics in a city that was rapidly changing. His editorial style was direct and often sensational, capturing the attention of Lagosians eager for both news and entertainment.

The Story of Segilola Eleyinju Ege

Thomas is perhaps most famous for his serialized story, Itan Igbesi Aiye Emi Segilola Eleyinju Ege, which appeared in Akede Eko before being published as a book. Written in Yoruba, the story follows the life of Segilola, a beautiful but morally conflicted woman who was deeply entangled in Lagos’s nightlife. The narrative portrays her involvement in prostitution and crime, revealing both the allure and dangers of urban life in early 20th-century Lagos.

The book’s structure was based on a series of letters supposedly written by Segilola herself, giving it a personal and confessional style that drew readers in. Thomas’s use of moral lessons, social critique, and sensational storytelling made the book an instant success. It is widely regarded by scholars as the first full-length novel written in Yoruba and one of the earliest novels in Nigerian literature.

Cultural Impact and Controversy

The Segilola story was not without controversy. Its vivid depictions of immorality shocked conservative audiences, while its serialized format stirred widespread curiosity about the identity of the mysterious Segilola. Many readers debated whether she was a real person or a fictional creation of Thomas. Regardless, the novel opened up conversations about morality, gender, and modernity in Lagos society.

Today, Itan Igbesi Aiye Emi Segilola Eleyinju Ege is considered a landmark in Nigerian literary history. It represents the blending of oral storytelling traditions with modern print culture, while also highlighting the complexities of Lagos as a colonial city where tradition, religion, and modernity often clashed.

A Lasting Legacy

Isaac B. Thomas’s contribution to Nigerian media and literature is enduring. As the founder of influential newspapers and the author of Nigeria’s first recognized novel, he left a dual legacy as both a journalist and literary pioneer. His work with Segilola Eleyinju Ege not only entertained but also shaped the moral and cultural debates of his time.

Through his vision and daring, Thomas bridged the worlds of journalism, literature, and popular culture—cementing his place as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s intellectual history.

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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.

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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