{
  "id": 15287219,
  "title": "Tinubu mourns late Ambassador Dele Cole",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/tinubu-mourns-late-ambassador-dele-cole-15287219",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T22:04:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/tinubu-mourns-late-ambassador-dele-cole/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Bola Tinubu has expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of distinguished Nigerian Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, who died at the age of 86. In a condolence statement released on Saturday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu hailed Cole as a true exemplar of national service, having made significant contributions to journalism, diplomacy, and politics throughout his life.\n\nThe President praised Cole for his commitment to national development and international cooperation, emphasizing that his career served as a testament to the importance of dialogue, tact, and mutual respect in achieving shared objectives. Specifically, Tinubu commended Cole's tenure as the Managing Director of the Daily Times, highlighting the critical role journalism plays in fostering accountability and strengthening democratic governance.\n\nTinubu also recognized Cole's profound impact on Nigeria's media landscape, noting that his leadership at the Daily Times exemplified the vital role of press in holding public officials accountable and speaking truth to power. The President underscored that Cole's work in the media, diplomacy, and public service would continue to shape Nigeria's history for generations to come.\n\nExpressing his condolences to Cole's family, friends, and professional associates, Tinubu prayed for the deceased's soul to find eternal peace and for those mourning his passing to find the strength to endure the loss. He affirmed that the nation would carry Cole's legacy of principled engagement and unwavering commitment to the public good in its heart.",
  "summary": "President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of veteran journalist and diplomat, Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, who died at the age of 86. Read More: https://punchng.com/tinubu-mourns-late-ambassador-dele-cole/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BusinessDay Nigeria",
        "title": "Patrick Dele Cole: The diplomat who stood up to power and helped reshape Nigerian journalism",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/patrick-dele-cole-the-diplomat-who-stood-up-to-power-and-helped",
        "published": "2026-10-17T16:13:15.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Veteran journalist Dele Cole dies at 86",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/veteran-journalist-dele-cole-dies-at-86",
        "published": "2026-10-17T19:10:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Tinubu mourns late Ambassador Dele Cole",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/tinubu-mourns-late-ambassador-dele-cole",
        "published": "2026-10-17T21:30:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}