Veteran Nigerian journalist and diplomat, Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, has died at the age of 86.
Gatekeepers News reports that Cole, father of Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State in the 2023 election, reportedly died in London on Saturday.
President Bola Tinubu announced his death in a condolence statement, describing the late diplomat as a distinguished journalist, politician and public servant who devoted his life to national service.
Cole served as managing director of Daily Times between 1976 and 1980, during which he contributed to the development of Nigeria’s media industry and the promotion of accountability in public office.
Tinubu said Cole upheld the important role of the press in holding public officials accountable, speaking truth to power and strengthening democratic governance.
The president added that the late diplomat’s contributions to journalism and public service would remain part of Nigeria’s national history.
Beyond journalism, Cole had a distinguished diplomatic career. He served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Brazil from 1987 to 1990 and also held a diplomatic posting in Argentina. He represented Nigeria at the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity on several occasions.
He later served as special adviser on international relations under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007.
Born on August 4, 1940, in Abonnema, in the Kalabari Kingdom of present-day Rivers State, Cole received his education in Nigeria, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
He studied at the University of Otago in New Zealand before proceeding to the University of Cambridge, where he earned a doctorate in history. He also served as a fellow at King’s College, Cambridge, and was a visiting professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.
Cole was also involved in Nigerian politics and remained engaged in public discussions on leadership, governance and national development.
In August, during his 86th birthday celebration, he called on young Nigerians to embrace integrity, service and principled leadership, warning against corruption, ethnic division and transactional politics.
Tinubu extended his condolences to Cole’s family, friends, professional associates and others affected by his death, praying that they would find strength and comfort during the period of mourning.
