THE LEGACY OF PATRICK DELE COLE

Dr. Patrick Dele Cole, a formidable journalist, administrator, and diplomat, passed away at the age of 86. His life was marked by an impressive array of accomplishments and a profound impact across various spheres. As a public servant, technocrat, diplomat, and presidential advisor, Cole navigated military regimes in the 1970s and civilian administrations of the 1990s with distinction.

However, his contributions to the Nigerian print and newspaper industry stand out as the most significant aspect of his legacy. Born in Abonnema, Rivers State, on August 4, 1940, Cole pursued higher education abroad, earning a scholarship from the federal government in 1962. He studied at the University of Otago in New Zealand and the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, obtaining a doctorate and serving as a fellow at both institutions.

Cole's academic journey continued at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, where he imparted his knowledge as a professor. Returning to Nigeria in 1976 at the behest of the military administration, Cole was appointed Managing Director of the Daily Times. His American training and cultural exposure proved invaluable in his leadership, as he recruited notable American journalists Dele Giwa and Stanley Macebuh.

This move transformed the Daily Times from a British-oriented publication to a more vibrant and liberal-leaning outlet. The establishment of an Editorial Board, modeled after American practices, significantly broadened the newspaper's perspectives and thought leadership. This innovation helped establish a new standard in Nigerian journalism, attracting high-caliber intellectuals and journalists to the newsroom.

The Daily Times' success paved the way for the founding of The Guardian, a privately owned liberal newspaper under Cole and Macebuh's leadership. Cole's influence extended beyond journalism, as he was also a respected historian and political scholar. His works, such as "Modern and Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos" (1975), provided valuable insights into academic history, socio-political structures, and public policy.

Serving as Nigeria's Ambassador to Brazil and Argentina, as well as Special Adviser on International Relations to President Olusegun Obasanjo, showcased his diplomatic prowess. Cole's career exemplified the importance of dialogue, tact, mutual respect, and shared interests in advancing national development and international cooperation.

President Bola Tinubu praised Cole's enduring legacy as an inspiration to future generations, highlighting his contributions to journalism, media publishing, and public life.