# 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.
- Title: Dele Cole & Emmanuel Uduaghan: Memories of two departed great…
- Summary: Bishop Kukah recalls Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, two influential Nigerians who recently passed away. Bishop Kukah shares personal…
- Keywords: patrick dele cole, emmanuel uduaghan, bishop mathew hassan kukah, nigerian, public intellectual, politician, delta state, sokoto, news, politics, Dele, Cole
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/features-and-interviews/918892-dele-cole-emmanuel-uduaghan-memories-of-two-departed-great-men-by-mathew-hassan-kukah.html
- Author: Mathew Hassan Kukah
- Published: 2026-10-21T16:00:39+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: patrick dele cole, emmanuel uduaghan, bishop mathew hassan kukah, nigerian, public intellectual, politician, delta state, sokoto, news, politics
## 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
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
## Key takeaway

Bishop Kukah shares personal memories of Patrick Dele Cole and Emmanuel Uduaghan, two eminent Nigerians who recently passed away.