Death of Patrick Dele Cole: PANDEF Declares Seven Days of Mourning — Remembers His Legacies as Former Daily Times Editor-in-Chief, Contributions to Journalism, Diplomacy, Nation-Building

 

By Wilson Macaulay

YENAGOA

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has declared seven days of mourning in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief (Ambassador) Patrick Dele Cole, celebrating his enduring legacies as a distinguished journalist, former Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times of Nigeria, diplomat, presidential adviser, politician and advocate of Niger Delta interests.

Chief Cole, fondly known as PDC, died in London on October 17, 2026, at the age of 86, following a brief illness, leaving behind a remarkable record of service that spanned journalism, education, diplomacy, public administration, partisan politics and regional advocacy.

The declaration of mourning was contained in a statement issued by PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Dr Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, on behalf of the organisation's Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee.

As part of measures to honour the departed statesman, PANDEF directed all its chapters across Nigeria and the diaspora to suspend official social activities for seven days, beginning Monday, October 19, 2026.

The organisation also instructed that all its media platforms should prominently feature Chief Cole's image throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for his contributions to the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

PANDEF described his death as a painful and irreplaceable loss to his family, the Niger Delta region and the country, noting that the news was received with profound shock and deep sorrow, coming just weeks after he celebrated his 86th birthday.

The forum said the late Cole's intellectual depth, professional accomplishments and commitment to public service distinguished him as one of the respected figures whose contributions cut across several critical sectors of national life.

Daily Times Legacy and Contributions to Journalism

One of the defining chapters of Chief Cole's distinguished career was his service as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times of Nigeria, one of the country's foremost national newspapers and a major institution in the evolution of Nigerian journalism.

His tenure in the media industry placed him among the influential professionals who contributed to the development of journalism and public discourse at a critical period in Nigeria's political and institutional history.

Through his professional experience and intellectual engagement, Cole established a reputation that extended beyond the newsroom, reflecting the important role journalism plays in shaping public opinion, strengthening democratic participation and holding public institutions accountable.

PANDEF's tribute to the late statesman underscores the significance of his contributions to the media profession and the broader national conversation, particularly at a time when Nigeria's political and institutional structures were undergoing important changes.

His professional journey demonstrated the breadth of his interests and abilities, combining journalism with public administration, international relations and political participation.

Diplomatic Service and National Leadership

Beyond journalism, Chief Cole distinguished himself in government and international relations, serving as Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Nigeria's Ambassador to Brazil.

His diplomatic assignment represented another significant phase of his public service, involving Nigeria's engagement with the international community and the advancement of the country's interests abroad.

His experience in diplomacy, coupled with his journalistic background and understanding of national affairs, positioned him among the public figures whose careers traversed professional and institutional boundaries.

Cole also participated actively in Nigeria's partisan politics, emerging as a presidential candidate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

His political engagements further included membership of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), demonstrating his sustained involvement in the country's evolving democratic process.

From the media industry to the corridors of government, diplomatic service and national politics, his career reflected a lifelong engagement with issues of governance, leadership and nation-building.

PANDEF Mourns a Pillar of Niger Delta Advocacy

Beyond his national assignments, PANDEF particularly acknowledged Chief Cole's invaluable contributions to the socio-cultural, political and developmental aspirations of the Niger Delta.

The organisation described him as a key figure in its formation and growth, noting that he brought his wealth of experience, intellectual strength and national stature to bear on the forum's activities from its formative period until his death.

His participation in PANDEF reflected his commitment to advancing the interests of the South-South geopolitical zone and strengthening the voice of the Niger Delta in national affairs.

For the regional organisation, his passing represents the loss of a respected elder whose experience, counsel and understanding of Nigeria's political and institutional dynamics were important assets to the collective struggle for the region's development.

PANDEF noted that Cole's contributions to regional advocacy extended beyond his professional accomplishments, reflecting his commitment to the cultural identity, political interests and socio-economic aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta.

The forum also recognised his standing as a Christian leader and advocate of Nigeria's cultural heritage, particularly the traditions and identities of the South-South peoples.

His life, the organisation observed, represented a blend of intellectual engagement, public service, religious faith and cultural consciousness that earned him respect across different spheres of society.

Condolences to Cole Family, Abonnema and Rivers State

In expressing its condolences, PANDEF extended special sympathies to the late statesman's son, Rt. Hon. Tonye Cole, and other members of the Cole family over the loss of their patriarch.

The forum also commiserated with the people of Abonnema in the Kalabari Kingdom, where the deceased held the revered traditional title of High Chief, as well as the Ijaw nation, the government and people of Rivers State, and Nigerians across the country.

It urged the bereaved family, his community, associates and the wider Niger Delta population to draw comfort from his distinguished life, enduring accomplishments and contributions to society.

Although his death has created a painful vacuum, PANDEF maintained that his record of service and the values he represented would remain enduring elements of his legacy.

Seven-Day Mourning Across Nigeria, Diaspora

To give institutional expression to its grief, PANDEF formally directed all its chapters in Nigeria and the diaspora to suspend official social activities for seven days, commencing Monday, October 19, 2026.

The organisation further instructed that Chief Cole's photograph should be prominently displayed across its media platforms throughout the mourning period.

The measures, according to the statement, reflect the depth of the loss felt within the organisation and its determination to honour one of its prominent leaders appropriately.

The declaration also provides an opportunity for members of the forum and the wider Niger Delta community to reflect on the late statesman's contributions to regional unity, national development and the advancement of the people's interests.

An Enduring Legacy of Service

Chief Cole's death marks the end of an era for a man whose public life traversed the newsroom, government, diplomatic service, partisan politics and regional advocacy.

His journey from journalism to diplomacy and national politics demonstrated the breadth of his professional engagement and his sustained participation in Nigeria's public affairs.

As a former Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times of Nigeria, Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador to Brazil, presidential candidate and member of the PDP Board of Trustees, he occupied positions that connected him with important aspects of the country's media, political and diplomatic history.

For the Niger Delta, however, his contributions to PANDEF and his commitment to the region's cultural and political interests remain central to the story of his public service.

His passing leaves a significant void within the organisation and among those who valued his experience, counsel and contributions to the region's affairs.

PANDEF concluded its condolence statement with a prayer for the peaceful repose of his soul, expressing the hope that his family, associates and the wider Niger Delta community would find strength and consolation in the memory of his distinguished life.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.