From Premium Times Nigeria · Mathew Hassan Kukah · · 1m 40s
Dele Cole & Emmanuel Uduaghan: Memories of two departed great men
Bishop Kukah recalls Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, two influential Nigerians who recently passed away.
In brief
Bishop Kukah recalls Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, two influential Nigerians who recently passed away. Bishop Kukah shares personal memories of Patrick Dele Cole and Emmanuel Uduaghan, two eminent Nigerians who recently passed away. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Patrick Dele Cole
Bishop Kukah recalls meeting Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, a prominent Nigerian journalist and diplomat.
“You are Bishop, you should not rejoice over the misfortunes of your flock”
First encounter
![National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official X handle of Mr Ribadu | https://x.com/NuhuRibadu/status/1706387205881581715?s=20]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/02/Nuhu-Ribadu-NSA.jpg?w=1883&ssl=1)
Kukah met Cole at the Hilton Hotel in Abuja during Obasanjo's presidency to write a presidential speech.
“The President is going to Ndjamena tomorrow morning to address a meeting of some African regional leaders”
Speech writing
Cole asked Kukah to write a speech for the president by 5am, which Kukah delivered by 1am.
“Please, can you write a speech for us between now and 5am”
Eritrea position
Cole offered Kukah a position in Eritrea, citing his priesthood as a strength for peace.
“Eritrea is still vacant and I had already penciled you down there”
Ijaw controversy
Cole wrote critical articles about Ijaws, which Kukah felt might offend Ijaw sensibilities.
“But I am an Ijaw man myself”
Emmanuel Uduaghan
Kukah recalls meeting Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, a Delta State governor and psychologist.
“Bishop Kukah don build Clinic for una”
Anger management
Uduaghan invited Kukah to speak on anger management with the Sultan of Sokoto.
“I want you to come and speak to us on the topic of Anger Management”
Sokoto clinic
Uduaghan visited Kukah's clinic in Sokoto to speak with women in Pidgin about childbirth.
“When pain come, dem go abuse husband, saying, useless man, stupid man, idiot”
Ambulance donation
Uduaghan donated a new ambulance to Kukah's clinic in Sokoto.
“Dr Uduaghan’s visit was a great source of encouragement”
Political spat
Uduaghan and Professor Pat Utomi had a minor political disagreement that Kukah helped resolve.
“Pat and I have no real issues, but you know this is politics, little things get exaggerated”
Health concerns
Kukah learned Uduaghan was sick but could not reach him for help.
“I called him several times, but there was no response”
Final words
Kukah remembered Uduaghan's final words about his health and the impact of his work.
“He was a great soul and I am glad our paths crossed”
Legacy
Kukah reflects on the lasting impact of both men on Nigerian society.
“May God grant him eternal rest, console his wife, children and the people of Delta state”
The key point
Bishop Kukah shares personal memories of Patrick Dele Cole and Emmanuel Uduaghan, two eminent Nigerians who recently passed away.
