By Sofowora Oladapo
Folorunsho Folarin Coker aka Folly Coker is a hardworking man who has dedicated his energy to grow the tourism industry in Nigeria. Undoubtedly, the ex-commissioner in Lagos is a man with clout, charisma, and style. Long before he became commissioner under Governor Akinwumni Ambode, the man-about-town and top socialite have been a lovable man admired and adored by all for his uncommon sagacity and welcoming nature.
Under his watch, he transformed the tourism and entertainment sector that it became money-spinning for the state. He made Lagos a tourism hub for foreign nationals with his ‘One Lagos festival’ concept. With his status and influence, he wields in the society, only cynics would attempt to underrate the personality of the highly cerebral man because his towering image readily dwarfs any untoward mischief anyone might want to play with it.
It is noteworthy to state that the wide acceptance which the amiable Coker enjoys did not fall on his laps, but a result of certain qualities he’s held unto that include hard work, consistency, honesty, humility that is abundantly laced with the grace of God.
The brilliant man boasts of a profile that is no doubt intimidating. His exploits cannot be put aside with a wave of the hand as he’s known to have worked tirelessly in every assignment given to him, which only attests to his height and validates his professionalism.
With his sheer passion and drive to sell Nigeria to the rest of the world, the news of his re-appointment as Director-General, National Tourism Development Board, NTDC, caused wild jubilation, as players in the tourism industry, and admirers were excited that the best man for the job has returned with more firepower. At the height of the Raji Fashola-led administration in Lagos, Coker was appointed Special Adviser on Central Business District just after heading Lagos State Number Plate Production Authority as Managing Director.
A source said, “the Cosmopolitan Lacasa Lagos boss will have the chance again to serve his fatherland. His reappointment shows that he was impactful in his first appointment tenure. The tourism board rose to an astronomic height raking in fortunes for the country. Stakeholders and tourism experts in the country have also lauded President Buhari for re-appointing him.”
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