Veteran journalist Dele Cole dies at 86
Veteran journalist and diplomat Ambassador Dele Cole has died at the age of 86. Cole reportedly passed away on the morning of Saturday, 17 October 2026, according to family sources. He was a former managing director of the Daily Times, one of Nigeria’s leading newspaper organisations. He later served the country as ambassador to Argentina […] Veteran journalist Dele Cole dies at 86
Ambassador Dele Cole, a renowned journalist and diplomat from Nigeria, has passed away at the age of 86. He was born on August 4, 1940, in Abonnema, in the Kalabari Kingdom of present-day Rivers State. Cole's academic journey took him to various institutions, including St Bartholomew’s School in Enugu, Baptist High School in Port Harcourt, Ibadan Grammar School, the University of Otago in New Zealand, and the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. He earned a doctorate in history from King’s College, Cambridge, between 1970 and 1973.
Cole began his career with the Daily Times in 1975, serving as a non-executive director before becoming the managing director of the newspaper, which solidified his position in Nigeria's journalism industry. His contributions extended beyond journalism as he played a role in public service and international relations. He served as Special Adviser on International Relations to former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007.
Cole also represented Nigeria as ambassador to Brazil and Argentina, furthering his involvement in foreign relations.
During the 1990s, Cole was affiliated with the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He leaves behind a legacy as a distinguished journalist, diplomat, and public servant.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Post Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
