Editorial
In an era where physical attractiveness has been substantially divorced from competence, social commitment and hard work, the life of the ageless Julie Coker, Yeye Eto of Lagos, is a testimony to the happy coincidence of beauty and brains, as well as the determination to succeed.
Born in 1940 to Egba and Itsekiri parents, Ms. Coker’s career reflects the challenges and opportunities inherent in a Nigeria on the cusp of political independence that was becoming more aware of itself as an autonomous cultural entity.
Her first big break came when friends undertook to submit her photographs for the forthcoming Miss Nigeria 1958 competition. She competed in the Mid-West zone and won, coming second in the national contest.
In 1959, she joined the Western Nigeria Television Service (WNTV) as a receptionist, but soon moved into broadcasting, thus beginning a 30-year career that saw her become one of the best-known personalities in Nigeria.
Working as continuity announcer, producer and host of magazine shows and children’s programmes, programme coordinator for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and instructor at the Television College in Jos, Ms. Coker enjoyed one of the most comprehensive careers in broadcasting than any other Nigerian. In addition, she has released three musical albums and has acted in a feature-length film.
Her work in broadcasting and the arts did not dampen her commitment to social progress, however. Inspired by the tragic death of her son Richard from sickle-cell anaemia, she established the Richard Coker Foundation in 2004 to help spread awareness of the disease and the options for its management.
Positioned as she was for decades at the nexus of beauty, fashion and broadcasting, Ms. Coker’s influence on generations of young Nigerian women and girls cannot be underestimated. She has demonstrated that looks alone are not enough to achieve recognition in one’s chosen career; hard work and commitment are just as important.
These virtues are all the more important as the country’s beauty, fashion, broadcasting and film industries are set to expand exponentially in the near future. Those who are seeking careers in these fields must avoid the temptation to cut corners if they hope to reach the heights Ms. Coker has attained.
Like her, they must be prepared to overcome life’s obstacles. Apart from the tragedy of losing a son, she has had to escape a forced marriage in order to continue her education. Her mother’s serious illness almost truncated her educational career. If she was able to overcome these difficulties, there is no reason why today’s broadcast hopefuls cannot do the same.
Ms. Coker’s pioneering, path-breaking career has demonstrated that nothing is impossible if one is determined to achieve one’s goals in life. May she continue to inspire her compatriots for many more years to come.
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