… Says Nigeria Has Lost Distinguished Leaders
Former Ekiti State Governor and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has mourned the deaths of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, and elder statesman and diplomat, Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, describing their passing as a great loss to Nigeria.
Dr Fayemi said the two deceased public figures, despite pursuing different professional paths, made remarkable contributions to the country’s political, social and intellectual development, leaving legacies that would continue to inspire future generations.
In a condolence statement issued by the Head of Fayemi Media Office, Abuja, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, the former governor described Uduaghan as a dedicated public servant whose years in office were marked by efforts to advance the development of Delta State and improve the welfare of its people.
He noted that Uduaghan’s administration focused on critical sectors, including healthcare, infrastructure and human capital development, while addressing the complex social and economic challenges of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Fayemi added that Uduaghan’s background in medicine and experience in political leadership provided him with valuable perspectives on governance and the responsibilities of public office.
He said the former governor’s death underscored the enduring importance of leadership committed to improving the lives of citizens.
On the death of Ambassador Dele Cole, Dr Fayemi described him as an accomplished elder statesman whose contributions to diplomacy, journalism and national discourse earned him a place among Nigeria’s distinguished public figures.
He said Cole belonged to a generation of Nigerians whose professional achievements, wealth of experience and engagement with national affairs enriched public debate and contributed to the development of institutions and ideas essential to nation-building.
According to Dr Fayemi, Cole’s wisdom, knowledge and commitment to public affairs would be particularly missed at a time when the country needs the guidance and counsel of experienced statesmen.
“Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole served Nigeria in different capacities, but they shared a commitment to making their contributions to the society in which they lived. Their passing is a painful reminder that the nation continues to lose men whose experience, service and perspectives remain valuable to our collective progress,” he said.
The former Ekiti State governor said the deaths had created painful voids in the lives of their families and communities, but expressed confidence that the legacies of both men would endure through the people they served, the institutions they helped shape and the examples they set.
Dr Fayemi extended his condolences to the families, friends, associates and political colleagues of the deceased, as well as the governments and people of Delta and Rivers states and Nigerians mourning their passing.
He urged the bereaved families to draw strength from the knowledge that the deceased lived lives of consequence and made contributions that would be remembered beyond their lifetimes.
“On behalf of my family, I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole. I pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear these painful losses, comforts all who mourn them and gives those they have left behind the strength and wisdom to carry forward the worthy aspects of their legacies,” Fayemi said.
