Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has paid tribute to former Nigerian ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, describing him as a patriot and an influential figure whose diplomatic expertise helped shape Nigeria’s foreign policy during his administration.

In a tribute mourning Cole’s death at the age of 86, Obasanjo said Nigeria had lost one of its finest intellectuals, while he had lost a trusted ally whose counsel influenced key moments in the country’s history.

The formerr president describes late diplomat as trusted adviser who helped restore Nigeria’s international relations

Obasanjo said his relationship with Cole dated back several decades, when the diplomat served in the cabinet office during his tenure as military head of state. Their relationship deepened after Obasanjo returned to power as an elected president in 1999.

According to the former president, he appointed Cole as special adviser on international relations at a time when Nigeria was seeking to rebuild diplomatic ties and regain its standing in the international community after years of isolation.

Former president Obasanjo said Cole’s understanding of global affairs made him an indispensable member of his foreign policy team, adding that the diplomat travelled extensively with him and worked behind the scenes to strengthen Nigeria’s relations with other countries.

He also credited Cole with contributing to the diplomatic and economic efforts that culminated in Nigeria’s Paris Club debt relief, describing his approach as a combination of tact, economic insight and patriotism.

The Paris Club debt relief, secured during Obasanjo’s administration, significantly reduced Nigeria’s external debt burden and was a major milestone in the country’s economic diplomacy.

Beyond his work in government, Obasanjo moted that Cole’s contribution to journalism, particularly his tenure as managing director of the Daily Times.

He said Cole introduced an independent editorial board system at the newspaper to protect editorial policy from political interference, describing the move as a significant contribution to the development of journalism in Africa.

According to him, “Cole also served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Brazil and Argentina, positions through which he further contributed to the country’s diplomatic service.”

Obasanjo said the diplomat’s death was particularly painful following the death of his wife, Pastor Mina Dugoabere Cole, a few years earlier.

He expressed sympathy with the bereaved family, particularly Cole’s children, including Tonye, urging them to remain united and preserve their father’s legacy of integrity, patriotism and public service.

“The greatest monument you can build in honour of your father is to preserve his towering legacy of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service,” Obasanjo said.

He urged the family to sustain the values that defined Cole’s life and continue his commitment to serving humanity.

The former president also extended his condolences to the Cole family and the Kalabari Kingdom, praying for strength for them to bear the loss.

He concluded by praying for the late diplomat’s eternal rest.