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Folly Coker at 61: Celebrating a Tourism Visionary and Public Service Icon By Fisayo Ajibola 

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Today, July 27, marks another significant milestone in the life of one of Nigeria’s foremost tourism administrators and accomplished public servants, Folorunsho Folarin “Folly” Coker, as he celebrates his 61st birthday.

 

For decades, Coker has remained a respected figure in Nigeria’s public service landscape, earning accolades for his contributions to tourism development, cultural promotion and public administration. His distinguished career has seen him occupy several strategic positions, where his vision, innovation and commitment to excellence left lasting impressions.

Born on July 27, 1965, Folly Coker’s journey has been defined by purposeful leadership and an unwavering passion for showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural and tourism potential. As the former Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), later the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), he championed initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a competitive tourism destination while encouraging domestic tourism and promoting the nation’s diverse cultural heritage.

Before assuming the national tourism role, Coker served with distinction as the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, where he played a pivotal role in transforming Lagos into Nigeria’s leading hub for entertainment, culture and creative tourism. His tenure witnessed the strengthening of cultural festivals, the promotion of arts and heritage, and the expansion of Lagos’ reputation as a destination for both local and international visitors.

His impressive public service résumé also includes serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, a position in which he demonstrated exceptional administrative competence and strategic policy coordination.

Beyond the offices he has held, Folly Coker is widely admired for his refined personality, intellectual depth and ability to build bridges across government, the private sector and the creative industry. Colleagues describe him as a visionary administrator whose calm disposition, attention to detail and collaborative leadership style have earned him widespread respect.

As news of his birthday spread, congratulatory messages poured in from government officials, tourism stakeholders, business leaders, cultural practitioners, friends and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond. Many celebrated not only his accomplishments but also his enduring commitment to national development through tourism, culture and public service.

Family members, associates and admirers joined in expressing gratitude for a life dedicated to service, innovation and nation-building, praying for continued good health, wisdom and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

As Folly Coker turns 61, the celebration is more than a personal milestone—it is a recognition of an enduring legacy built on leadership, integrity and an unwavering belief in the power of tourism and culture to drive economic growth and national unity.

Happy Birthday to Folorunsho Folarin “Folly” Coker —a distinguished public servant, tourism advocate and visionary whose contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s tourism landscape and inspire future generations.

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Arteta: Raya Has Elevated Arsenal To A Different Level

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Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has “elevated the team to a different level” in recent years.

 

Raya joined Arsenal from Brentford in 2023, initially on a season-long loan before joining permanently the following year, and has made 153 appearances for the Gunners.

Since the start of the 2023-24 season, Raya has kept more clean sheets (72) than any other goalkeeper in the top five European leagues, while he has saved 72.3% of the shots he has faced.

In that same time, only Caoimhín Kelleher (five) has saved more penalties among Premier League goalkeepers in all competitions (excluding shoot-outs) than Raya, following the Spaniard’s save against Enzo Le Fee last time out.

Raya helped Arsenal win the Premier League last season, claiming his third consecutive Golden Glove in the process, and reach the Champions League, and Arteta praised his goalkeeper’s impact on the squad.

When asked if Raya has been his best signing at Arsenal, Arteta said: “He’s been a tremendous signing, there is no question about that.

“Whether he is the best or not is just an opinion. It doesn’t matter, we are so happy to have him.

“He has elevated the team to a different level and now we have to maintain that level.

“I think it’s his mentality. David has tremendous quality but he has overcome a lot of difficulties and challenges to reach this point. It wasn’t easy at the beginning, he had to dig in and prove himself.

“Now, he has the right to be one of the best.”

Arsenal will look to maintain their perfect start to the season when they face Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Gunners have won four of their last six Premier League games against Brighton (D2), as many as they had in their first 12 against the Seagulls (D3 L5).

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No Regrets Joining Liverpool- Isak

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Alexander Isak revealed he has never regretted joining Liverpool since his move from Newcastle United last summer.

 

The 26-year-old joined the Reds for a British record transfer fee of £125m on deadline day in September 2025, but struggled under Arne Slot before a leg break in December ruled him out for four months.

Isak scored just four goals in 22 appearances last season, but has made a better start this term under Andoni Iraola, netting three times in six matches.

Liverpool are currently unbeaten in 2026-27, despite winning just one of their four Premier League games (D3) ahead of visiting Bournemouth this Sunday.

And despite their struggles last season, Isak has not had any feeling of regret since leaving Newcastle.

“No, never. I would never think like that,” Isak told BBC Sport’s The Football Interview when asked if he had any regrets.

“[The leg break] was tough. Anyone who had a long injury would know. But on the other hand, when you’re in a good place and when you feel good, you don’t really tend to look back because it doesn’t really benefit you.

“So, I’m just looking forward and feel really optimistic and excited about the season, and what it can bring to us.”

Bournemouth, meanwhile, are still waiting for their first Premier League win under Marco Rose (D3 L1), who succeeded Iraola in the summer.

However, the Cherries will enter this match with plenty of confidence after defeating Real Sociedad 2-1 in the Europa League – their first-ever match in a major European competition.

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Harry Kane: The Ballon d’Or? I Don’t Like Talking About Myself — The 73 Goals Speak For Themselves

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Harry Kane has revealed that he does not like to speak about his Ballon d’Or domination, adding that his goals will do the talking.

 

In a brief chat with Marca, the Bayern Munich attacker said : I have never liked talking too much about myself. The only thing I would say is that last season was incredible, both personally and as a team.

“By far, it was the best season of my life. It is true that scoring 73 goals — the second-highest total in history [after Lionel Messi’s 82 goals in 69 appearances in 2011/12] — speaks for itself. I am extremely proud of it. I can only thank my teammates and everyone who helped make it possible.

“But the Ballon d’Or is not in my hands. It depends on the people who vote. From my point of view, last season is already in the past. Now I am focused on this season and excited to see what else I can do. I know there will be a lot of talk about the award until October because it is a major prize”

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