Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has mourned the deaths of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, and elder statesman, Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, describing their passing as a loss to Nigeria.
Fayemi, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, said the two deceased Nigerians made significant contributions to the country’s political, social and intellectual development through their careers in public service and other fields.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Head of Fayemi Media Office, Abuja, Ahmad Sajoh, the former governor described Uduaghan as a public servant whose administration focused on healthcare, infrastructure and human capital development in Delta State.
Fayemi noted that Uduaghan’s background as a medical doctor and his experience in political leadership shaped his understanding of governance and the responsibilities of public office.
He said the former governor’s death highlighted the importance of public service and the need for leaders to remain committed to improving the lives of the people they serve.
On Dele Cole, Fayemi described the late diplomat as an influential figure whose contributions to diplomacy, journalism and national discourse earned him recognition among Nigeria’s distinguished public figures.
He said Cole belonged to a generation of Nigerians whose professional achievements and involvement in national affairs enriched public debate and contributed to nation-building.
According to Fayemi, the late diplomat’s experience and counsel would be particularly missed at a time when Nigeria needs the wisdom and perspectives of experienced statesmen.
Fayemi said both men served Nigeria in different capacities but shared a commitment to contributing to society.
He added that their deaths were painful reminders of the country’s loss of experienced individuals whose service and perspectives remained valuable to national development.
The former governor also expressed sympathy with the families, friends, associates and political colleagues of the deceased, as well as the governments and people of Delta and Rivers states.
He urged the bereaved families to draw comfort from the lives their loved ones lived and the contributions they made to society.
Fayemi prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families the strength to bear the losses.
The deaths of Uduaghan and Cole have also attracted tributes from other Nigerian leaders, who have highlighted their respective contributions to governance, journalism, diplomacy and national development.
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