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 and recalling his pivotal role in securing the country’s historic Paris Club debt relief.

The Paris Club debt relief tribute was contained in a statement issued by the former president, who described Cole as a trusted ally whose counsel shaped critical moments in Nigeria’s history .

THE TRIBUTE

“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,” Obasanjo wrote .

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 .

“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,” Obasanjo said .

THE PARIS CLUB DEBT RELIEF

Obasanjo credited Cole with contributing to the strategies that culminated in Nigeria’s historic Paris Club debt relief .

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“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 .

The Paris Club debt relief, secured in 2005, was a landmark achievement of Obasanjo’s administration. It wiped out approximately $18 billion of Nigeria’s $30 billion debt to the Paris Club of creditor nations, allowing the country to redirect resources toward development.

A LIFE OF SERVICE

Obasanjo also highlighted Cole’s contributions to journalism, particularly his tenure as managing director of the Daily Times, where he introduced an independent editorial board system to shield media policy from political interference .

“His contributions to the Nigerian polity remain monumental. Beyond his advisory role, he revolutionized African journalism as the Managing Director of the Daily Times, introducing an independent editorial board system that insulated media policy from political interference,” Obasanjo said .

He also praised Cole’s diplomatic service as Nigeria’s ambassador to Brazil and Argentina .

“His masterful stints as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil and Argentina further cemented his legacy as a titan of public service who proved that integrity and public duty can coexist beautifully,” Obasanjo said .

A PERSONAL LOSS

Obasanjo noted that Cole’s death followed that of his wife, Pastor Mina Dugoabere Cole, a few years earlier .

“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,” he said .

He offered words of encouragement to Cole’s children, including Tonye and his siblings .

“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,” Obasanjo said .

He concluded by praying for the Cole family and the people of the Kalabari Kingdom .

“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,” he said .

WHY IT MATTERS

Ambassador Dele Cole was one of Nigeria’s most distinguished diplomats and journalists. His contributions to the country’s foreign policy, particularly the Paris Club debt relief, had a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

For Obasanjo, the loss is personal. For Nigeria, it is the loss of a man who served with distinction in multiple capacities — as a diplomat, a journalist, and a public servant.

ValidViewNetwork extends its condolences to the Cole family and the people of the Kalabari Kingdom.