Forum Pays Tribute to Late Statesman, Diplomat and Media Icon; Directs Chapters Worldwide to Suspend Social Activities
By EMTV News Desk
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed profound grief over the death of its elder statesman and leader, Chief (Ambassador) Patrick Dele Cole, describing his passing as an irreplaceable loss to the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
Chief Cole reportedly died in London in the early hours of Saturday, October 17, 2026, following a brief illness, just weeks after celebrating his 86th birthday.
In a statement announcing his death, PANDEF said its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee received the news “with shock and deepest pain,” paying tribute to a distinguished public figure whose contributions spanned journalism, education, diplomacy, public service and politics.
Chief Cole, popularly known as Chief PDC, was widely recognised for his contributions to national development and his involvement in the socio-cultural and socio-political advancement of the Niger Delta.
Among the highlights of his distinguished career was his service as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times of Nigeria, one of the country’s prominent national newspapers. He also served as Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil.
His political engagements included contesting the Nigerian presidency under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
PANDEF noted that the late statesman brought his intellectual depth and wealth of experience to bear on various organisations committed to the interests of the Niger Delta, particularly the Forum, from its formative years until his death.
“He was a key figure and brought on board his robust intellectual forte in the various socio-cultural and socio-political bodies of the Niger Delta, especially PANDEF at the time of its formation and till his demise,” the statement said.
Beyond his public service, the Forum remembered Chief Cole as a committed Christian leader and a promoter of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, particularly the traditions and legacies of the South-South region.
PANDEF Declares Seven Days of Mourning
In honour of the deceased, PANDEF has directed all its chapters in Nigeria and the diaspora to suspend official social activities for seven days, beginning Monday, October 19, 2026.
The Forum also directed that its media platforms display Chief Cole’s image throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for his life and contributions.
The directive underscores the significance of his role in the organisation and the wider Niger Delta struggle.
Condolences to Family, Rivers State and Niger Delta
PANDEF extended its condolences to Chief Cole’s son, Rt. Hon. Tonye Cole, and other members of the Cole family, as well as the people of Abonnema in the Kalabari Kingdom, where the late statesman held the title of High Chief.
The Forum also commiserated with the Ijaw nation, the government and people of Rivers State, and Nigerians at large over the loss.
Urging those affected by his death to draw strength from his legacy, PANDEF said: “We urge all to take solace in the gift of a worthy and distinguished life which he had.”
The condolence statement was signed by PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON.
Chief Cole’s passing marks the end of an era for a public figure whose career traversed the media, diplomacy, politics and Niger Delta advocacy.
As tributes continue to emerge, his legacy will be remembered through his contributions to national discourse, public service, cultural preservation and the pursuit of the aspirations of the Niger Delta people.
May his soul rest in peace.
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