The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has declared seven days of mourning in honour of its leader and elder statesman, Patrick Dele Cole, who died in London at the age of 86.
Cole, popularly known as Chief PDC, passed away weeks after celebrating his 86th birthday. He was widely recognised for his contributions to journalism, education, diplomacy, public administration and Nigerian politics.
In a statement issued by PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, on behalf of the organisation’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC), the group described Cole’s death as a painful loss that would be difficult to replace.
Igali said the late elder statesman played an important role in the social, cultural and political development of the Niger Delta region, particularly through his contributions to the establishment and growth of PANDEF.
Cole had a distinguished career in journalism, serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times of Nigeria, one of the country’s leading newspapers. He later served as a presidential adviser on foreign affairs and as Nigeria’s ambassador to Brazil.
According to Igali, Cole brought exceptional intellectual depth, experience and commitment to the various socio-cultural and political organisations he served in the Niger Delta.
As part of its mourning arrangements, PANDEF directed all its chapters across Nigeria and in the diaspora to suspend official social activities for seven days, beginning October 18, 2026.
The organisation also instructed its chapters to display Cole’s photograph on their respective media platforms throughout the mourning period in recognition of his contributions and service to the region.
PANDEF noted that Cole was a strong advocate of true federalism and resource control, adding that his commitment to the aspirations of the Niger Delta people remained unwavering throughout his public service career.
Igali recalled that Cole continued to support the region’s interests even while serving as a special adviser during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He added that the late statesman’s political decisions were largely guided by his determination to protect the legitimate interests and aspirations of the Niger Delta people.
Cole’s political involvement included a presidential ambition under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and membership of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), according to PANDEF.
The forum also recognised his contributions as a Christian leader and advocate of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, particularly the traditions, identities and values of communities in the South-South region.
Expressing its condolences, PANDEF extended its sympathies to Cole’s son, Rt. Hon. Tonye Cole, other members of the Cole family, and the people of Abonnema in the Kalabari Kingdom.
The organisation also commiserated with the Ijaw nation, the Rivers State Government, the people of Rivers State and Nigerians across the country over the loss of the prominent elder statesman.
PANDEF urged the bereaved family and the wider Niger Delta community to take comfort in Cole’s distinguished life, years of service and lasting contributions to the development of the region and Nigeria.
The organisation concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
PANDEF Declares Seven Days of Mourning for Dele Cole
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has declared seven days of mourning in honour of its leader and elder statesman, Patrick Dele Cole, who died in London at the age of 86.
Cole, popularly known as Chief PDC, passed away weeks after celebrating his 86th birthday. He was widely recognised for his contributions to journalism, education, diplomacy, public administration and Nigerian politics.
In a statement issued by PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, on behalf of the organisation’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC), the group described Cole’s death as a painful loss that would be difficult to replace.
Igali said the late elder statesman played an important role in the social, cultural and political development of the Niger Delta region, particularly through his contributions to the establishment and growth of PANDEF.
Cole had a distinguished career in journalism, serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times of Nigeria, one of the country’s leading newspapers. He later served as a presidential adviser on foreign affairs and as Nigeria’s ambassador to Brazil.
According to Igali, Cole brought exceptional intellectual depth, experience and commitment to the various socio-cultural and political organisations he served in the Niger Delta.
As part of its mourning arrangements, PANDEF directed all its chapters across Nigeria and in the diaspora to suspend official social activities for seven days, beginning October 18, 2026.
The organisation also instructed its chapters to display Cole’s photograph on their respective media platforms throughout the mourning period in recognition of his contributions and service to the region.
PANDEF noted that Cole was a strong advocate of true federalism and resource control, adding that his commitment to the aspirations of the Niger Delta people remained unwavering throughout his public service career.
Igali recalled that Cole continued to support the region’s interests even while serving as a special adviser during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He added that the late statesman’s political decisions were largely guided by his determination to protect the legitimate interests and aspirations of the Niger Delta people.
Cole’s political involvement included a presidential ambition under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and membership of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), according to PANDEF.
The forum also recognised his contributions as a Christian leader and advocate of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, particularly the traditions, identities and values of communities in the South-South region.
Expressing its condolences, PANDEF extended its sympathies to Cole’s son, Rt. Hon. Tonye Cole, other members of the Cole family, and the people of Abonnema in the Kalabari Kingdom.
The organisation also commiserated with the Ijaw nation, the Rivers State Government, the people of Rivers State and Nigerians across the country over the loss of the prominent elder statesman.
PANDEF urged the bereaved family and the wider Niger Delta community to take comfort in Cole’s distinguished life, years of service and lasting contributions to the development of the region and Nigeria.
The organisation concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
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