Obasanjo mourns Dele Cole, recalls role in Paris debt relief

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has paid tribute to the late Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, describing his death at the age of 86 as a significant loss to Nigeria, particularly in diplomacy, journalism and public service.

Obasanjo, in a tribute to the deceased, described Cole as a trusted ally whose counsel shaped critical moments in the country’s history.

He recalled that their relationship dated back several decades to his tenure as military Head of State, when Cole served in the Cabinet Office, but said their bond deepened during his administration from 1999 to 2007.

According to the former president, Cole was appointed his Special Adviser on International Relations in 1999 because Nigeria needed experienced diplomatic hands to help restore its international standing after years of isolation.

Obasanjo said Cole’s understanding of global affairs made him indispensable to the country’s foreign policy machinery, adding that he travelled extensively with him and worked behind the scenes to rebuild Nigeria’s diplomatic relationships.

He also credited the late diplomat with contributing to the strategies that culminated in Nigeria’s historic Paris Club debt relief.

In the tribute, Obasanjo said, “It is with a profound sense of personal loss and deep sadness that I write this tribute to honour my dear friend, brother, and compatriot, Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, who has returned to his Maker at the age of 86. Nigeria has lost one of its finest intellectual pillars, and I have lost a trusted ally whose counsel shaped pivotal moments in our nation’s history.

“Our paths closely intertwined decades ago during my tenure as military Head of State when Dele served in the Cabinet Office. However, it was during my democratic administration as President of Nigeria, from 1999 to 2007, that our bond reached its zenith.

“When I took office in 1999, Nigeria was emerging from isolation and desperately needed to be reintegrated into the global community. I knew I needed the finest diplomatic minds beside me, which led to his appointment as my Special Adviser on International Relations.

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“Advising a president who is himself fiercely passionate about foreign policy is no easy feat – a reality Dele often humorously acknowledged. Yet, his sophisticated grasp of global dynamics made him an indispensable linchpin of our foreign policy machinery.

“He travelled extensively with me, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to repair Nigeria’s broken diplomatic ties, and helped formulate the robust strategies that ultimately brought about our historic Paris Club debt relief. Dele brought unmatched tact, brilliant economic insight, and unyielding patriotism to the table.”

Obasanjo said Cole’s contributions to the Nigerian polity were monumental, adding that beyond his advisory role, he had made significant contributions to African journalism as managing director of the Daily Times.

He said Cole introduced an independent editorial board system that insulated media policy from political interference.

Obasanjo also noted that Cole’s service as Nigeria’s ambassador to Brazil and Argentina further cemented his legacy in public service.

He said, “This departure leaves a massive, heartbreaking void, especially as it follows the painful loss of his beloved wife and family matriarch, Pastor Mina Dugoabere Cole, only a few years ago.

“It is heavy to contemplate that both columns of the Cole family support are now gone. Yet, we find solace in knowing that they are now reunited in eternity, resting peacefully together in the bosom of the Almighty.

“To his children – Tonye and his siblings – my fatherly advice is to stand firm, united, and proud. The greatest monument you can build in honour of your father is to preserve his towering legacy of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service. Do not let the torch he carried so boldly burn out; instead, let his principles guide your steps as you continue to uplift humanity.

“May the Almighty God grant the entire Cole family and the people of the Kalabari Kingdom the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May the noble soul of Ambassador Dele Cole find eternal rest.”