The announcement was made in a statement on Wednesday by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, who described Coker’s death as a “great loss to Nigeria and the diplomatic community.”
A Distinguished Diplomatic Career
Ambassador Coker was a seasoned career diplomat with decades of service to Nigeria. Before his appointment as Consul-General in Cameroon, he represented the country in key missions abroad, including postings in Conakry, Guinea, and Shanghai, China, where he was widely regarded for his professionalism and commitment to duty.
In 2023, he was deployed to Cameroon at a time when Nigeria and Cameroon were strengthening bilateral cooperation on regional security, cross-border trade, and the fight against insurgency. His tenure in Buea was noted for fostering closer engagement with Nigerian communities living in Cameroon’s South-West Region.
Ministry, Colleagues Pay Tribute
In the official tribute, the Foreign Affairs Ministry hailed Coker as “a hardworking and dedicated diplomat who served Nigeria with distinction, commitment, and professionalism.”
The statement added:
“His untimely death is a great loss to the diplomatic community and the nation at large. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, colleagues, and friends at this difficult time and prays for the peaceful repose of his soul.”
National and Diplomatic Reactions
Tributes have begun pouring in from colleagues across Nigeria’s foreign missions and international partners in Cameroon, with many describing Coker as a bridge-builder who promoted Nigeria’s interests with integrity and passion.
Officials said arrangements are being made in collaboration with his family for his burial, while memorial activities are expected to be held by the Ministry and the Nigerian Mission in Cameroon in the coming weeks.
Ambassador Coker’s death comes as Nigeria faces pressing diplomatic challenges in the Central African sub-region, making his loss even more significant to the country’s foreign service.
