Hardworking Folorunsho Folarin-Coker is known for working wonders wherever fate had placed him in the public service in past years.
By all measures, Folorunsho Folarin-Coker is no doubt an accomplished man.His status makes him the envy of many as he towers far and above many of his contemporaries.
Even in his everyday life, his profile is continually on the rise. It is easily agreed that he is blessed with the proverbial Midas touch!
So when he was appointed as the Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), the appointment was applauded by those who knew his antecedent. He didn’t let his boss and fans down as he rolled up his sleeve and hit the ground running.
He turned NTDA around while putting Nigeria’s tourism on the global map.
So, many would understand why emotions ran high recently when NTDA staff hosted a heartfelt send-off ceremony for him at the authority’s Village Hall in Abuja. The event marked the end of Coker’s transformative eight-year tenure, during which he significantly reshaped Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
Staff members and industry stakeholders gathered to honour Coker’s visionary leadership. Notable achievements during his tenure included the enactment of the NTDA Act, which transitioned the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) into the NTDA, aligning it with global standards.
He also spearheaded initiatives, such as the ‘Tour Nigeria’ brand to promote domestic tourism; the ‘Nigerian Flavours’ culinary project, and the digitalization of tourism services, enhancing Nigeria’s online tourism visibility through partnerships with global tech giants.
In his farewell address, Coker expressed deep gratitude to the NTDA staff, emphasising that the achievements were a collective effort. He urged them to uphold professionalism, foster unity, and continue the collaborative spirit that defined his administration.
The ceremony was filled with tributes from colleagues who described Coker as a mentor and a unifying figure. His commitment to inclusive tourism promotion was also recognised by South East traditional rulers.
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