Fayemi Mourns Uduaghan, Patrick Dele Cole, Says Nigeria Has Lost Distinguished Public Servants.

Fayemi Mourns Uduaghan, Patrick Dele Cole, Says Nigeria Has Lost Distinguished Public Servants.

Dr Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and past Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, and elder statesman and distinguished public figure, Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, describing their passing as a profound loss to their families, their respective communities and the country.

Fayemi said both men, though distinguished by different professional paths and public engagements, made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political, social and intellectual development, leaving behind legacies that would continue to shape public life and inspire future generations.

He described Uduaghan as a public servant whose years in government reflected a commitment to the development of Delta State and the advancement of its people. As governor, Uduaghan played an important role in the state’s political and developmental journey, with his administration focused on healthcare, infrastructure, human capital development and the management of the complex social and economic challenges of the Niger Delta.

Fayemi noted that Uduaghan’s experience in public service, including his background in medicine and his years in political leadership, gave him a clear perspective on governance and the responsibilities of public office.

He said Uduaghan’s death was a reminder of the importance of public service and the enduring responsibility of leaders to improve the lives of the people they serve.

On the passing of Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, Fayemi described the late elder statesman as a man of considerable intellect, experience and influence whose contributions to Nigeria’s public life, diplomacy, journalism and national discourse earned him a place among the country’s distinguished voices.

He noted that Cole represented a generation of Nigerians whose professional accomplishments and engagement with national affairs enriched public debate and contributed to the development of institutions and ideas essential to nation-building.

Fayemi said Cole’s wealth of experience, knowledge, and commitment to public affairs would be greatly missed, especially at a time when Nigeria needs the wisdom, perspective, and counsel of experienced statesmen.

“Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole served Nigeria in different capacities, but they shared a commitment to making their contributions to the society in which they lived. Their passing is a painful reminder that the nation continues to lose men whose experience, service and perspectives remain valuable to our collective progress,” Fayemi said.

He added that while their deaths had created painful voids in their families and communities, the legacies of their respective contributions would endure through the people they served, the institutions they helped shape and the example they set.

Fayemi extended his heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, associates and political colleagues of both deceased men, as well as the governments and people of Delta and Rivers states, and the wider Nigerian community.

He urged their families to find strength in the knowledge that their loved ones lived lives of consequence and made contributions that would be remembered beyond their lifetimes.

“On behalf of my family, I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole. I pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear these painful losses, comforts all who mourn them and gives those they have left behind the strength and wisdom to carry forward the worthy aspects of their legacies,” he said.