Gbenro Adesina
Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker, the Baba Eto of Lagos, Bobagunwa of Igede-Ekiti and the father of Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, the Director General of Nigeria Tourism Development Commission (NTDC), has died.
Coker, a retired permanent secretary in the Lagos public service, died in Lagos at the age of 97.
The passage of the elder statesman was announced in a statement released by the family and signed by the NTDC boss.
It read in part: “A life beautifully lived!
“It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of appreciation to Almighty God that we announce the translation to eternal glory of our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and patriot Chief (Elderman) Nathaniel Folarin Coker OON.
“He died comfortably and peacefully in his sleep in Lagos on the 12th of August 2020 at the ripe old age of 97 years.
“His was a life so beautifully lived which deserves to be beautifully remembered. He dutifully and meritoriously served his state and country in his lifetime, and we, his family are very proud of his life and service.
“We are comforted by the fact that his good name is worth more than gold and that his memory will always be a blessing to each and every one of us all.
“Burial arrangements will be announced in due course”.
In a condolence message signed by his chief press secretary, Gboyega Akosile, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu described late Folarin Coker as one of the front-runners in the race towards making Lagos a leading state in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region.
He said Folarin Coker’s contributions to the state’s public service as permanent secretary in different ministries were exemplary. According to him, the late administrator effectively combined work and social life in a way that impacted the State positively.
Sanwo-Olu said, “The late Folarin Coker lived a very good life. His demise, though a great loss to our dear state, should be celebrated. He served Lagos meritoriously as a public servant in various capacities, contributing his quota to the growth narratives of Lagos.
“The late Coker was also a socialite of note. I remember that as a young man, I always admired his candour whenever he spoke at social gatherings. He was a representation of the true spirit of Lagos.
“His service to our dear state as permanent secretary took him to various ministries such as education, youth, sports and social development, trade, mines and natural resources as well as the ministry of information and tourism, where he contributed meaningfully to the better and bigger Lagos narrative.
“I pray for his soul to find peace with his creator. May God grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.
