Celebrity

NTDC Director-General Loses Father In Lagos

Published

5 years ago

August 13, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The father of Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr. Folorunsho Coker, has lost his Father, Chief Nathaniel Coker to dead.

Chie Nathaniel Coker died at the age of 97 years on Wednesday in his sleep in Lagos at 6.45 p.m.

According to the NTDC boss “It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of appreciation to Almighty God that we announce the translation to the eternal glory of our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and patriot, Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker, OON.

“He meritoriously served his state and country in his lifetime, we his family, are very proud of his service.

“We are comforted by the fact that his good name is worth more than gold and his memory will always be a blessing to each and every one of us all,’’ the director-general said.

According to him, the burial arrangements will be announced in due course, while messages and tributes to the late Coker should be sent to https://www.forevermissed.com/nathaniel-folarin-coker/about.

The late Coker was Baba Eto of Lagos, Bobagunwa of Igede-Ekiti, a retired pioneer Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State civil service.

Share on Facebook

Celebrity

NTDA Intensifies Preparations for a World-Class Eyo Festival 2025

Published

1 week ago

December 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has begun strategic engagements to reposition the Eyo Festival as one of the nation’s leading cultural tourism attractions, with a courtesy visit by the Director General, Dr. Ola Awakan, to the Iga Idunganran Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I.

The visit forms part of NTDA’s renewed commitment to transforming Nigeria’s major cultural festivals into globally competitive tourism assets, with the Eyo Festival identified as a flagship event capable of drawing both domestic and international visitors.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Awakan noted that the Eyo Festival represents the soul of Lagos culture and stands as a powerful tool for destination branding.
“Our focus is to work closely with the Lagos Royal Institution to elevate the Eyo Festival into a world-class cultural attraction that mirrors the vibrancy, identity, and history of Lagos,” he said.
He emphasized the Authority’s dedication to providing technical support, strengthening promotion, and enhancing cultural preservation.

Oba Akiolu welcomed NTDA’s renewed interest, expressing strong support for a more coordinated national approach to the festival’s promotion.
“The Eyo Festival is a heritage treasure and the heartbeat of Lagos tradition. We welcome collaborations that will help safeguard its legacy and promote it as a cultural pride for future generations,” he said.
The monarch urged the NTDA DG to remain steadfast in advancing tourism values that reflect integrity, heritage protection, and cultural growth.

Both parties discussed opportunities to transform the 2025 edition of the Eyo Festival into a more structured cultural tourism experience—one that not only preserves tradition but also enhances visitor participation, creates economic opportunities for local communities, and strengthens Lagos’ position as a premier cultural destination.

At the end of the palace engagement, the Director General and his team were received by the Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government and Chairman of the 2025 Eyo Festival Planning Committee, Hon. Taiwo Oyekan. He welcomed NTDA’s involvement and assured the Authority of the committee’s readiness to work collaboratively to deliver a successful, tourism-driven festival.

Dr. Awakan was accompanied by the NTDA South-West Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Alice Akinsola, and other senior officials.

Share on Facebook