Former Managing Director of Daily Times, Ambassador Dele Cole, has died at age 86.
According to family source the eminent journalist, died on Saturday morning.
Dele Cole was a Social Democratic Party presidential candidate in the early 1990s.
The deceased was also Nigeria’s ambassador to Argentina and Brazil.
During his 86th birthday ceremony with family members, diplomats, traditional rulers, and friends who paid glowing tributes to his decades of public service, diplomacy and contributions to national development, on August 4, 2026, called for a new generation of principled leadership anchored on integrity, service and hope.
He said that Nigeria’s future depends on young people who reject corruption, ethnic division and transactional politics.
The renowned politician, journalist, historian, and diplomat, while reflecting on the leadership crisis confronting the country, said Nigeria’s greatest hope lies in raising young people with strong moral values capable of transforming the nation.
According to him, the foundation of ethical leadership begins at home, insisting that children who are not taught honesty and responsibility from an early age are unlikely to become responsible leaders.
He urged Nigerians not to surrender to despair despite the country’s current challenges, expressing confidence that meaningful change remains possible.
Cole, He challenged young Nigerians to resist inducements during elections, saying that accepting money in exchange for votes amounts to surrendering their rights and undermining democratic governance.
