Bukola Efunyemi Coker, formerly Bukola Samuel-Wemimo, is one of Nigeria’s most respected broadcast journalists, renowned for her fearless questioning and commitment to social justice. As a lead news anchor and producer at Channels Television, she has spent over two decades shaping the Nigerian media landscape through high-stakes political interviews and impactful storytelling.
Ms Coker graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and International Studies from Lagos State University (LASU). Her journey into the spotlight began remarkably early; while still an undergraduate at LASU in 2001, she launched her career as a freelance presenter at Lagos Television (LTV), hosting the popular entertainment show Full House.
Recognising the power of media to drive national discourse, she joined Television Continental (TVC) News in 2006, where she built a distinguished 15-year track record. She rose to national prominence as the host of Fireworks, a political interview programme where she gained a reputation for her “no-nonsense” approach with public officials. Her work on Journalist Hangout further cemented her status as a sharp-witted analyst, adept at breaking down complex national issues for a wide audience.
In 2021, she transitioned to Channels Television. Today, she is a prominent face on flagship programmes such as Sunrise Daily, where she continues to facilitate critical conversations on governance and policy. She also holds a Master of Science in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos.
Her impact extends beyond the news desk through her advocacy for human rights. Bukola’s investigative work on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and mental health has exposed systemic failures, championed justice for the vulnerable, and helped to break the stigma surrounding depression in Nigeria.
Her contributions to journalism and social justice have earned her significant honours, most notably the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting (2020) for her exposé on police negligence in sexual abuse cases. She has also received commendations from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism and was named TV Presenter of the Year at the City People Awards.
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