President Tinubu writes Ambassador Cole on his 85th birthday |

President Bola Tinubu has sent a personally signed congratulatory letter to Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole as he turns 85 on August 4.

Cole, who was born on August 4, 1940, wears several caps in several sectors of the Nigerian society, serving as ambassador to Brazil and Argentina.

He is a politician, journalist, historian, and diplomat, who in 1976 became the managing director of the Daily Times.

He was at a time a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Social Democratic Party.

In his letter to Ambassador Cole, which was made available to newsmen on Monday by the Presidential Media Team, President Tinubu wrote: “On behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and myself, I congratulate you on your remarkable 85th birthday on August 4.

“Your extraordinary contributions to our nation’s newspaper industry, particularly your transformative leadership as Managing Director of the Daily Times in 1976, remain unparalleled. During this period, you restored the glory of the newspaper. Further, you built it into one of Africa’s largest newspapers, a bastion of journalistic integrity and intellectual rigour, and a critical source of thought-provoking editorial opinions that elevated public discourse.

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“History also records you as an excellent diplomat who served as a Special Adviser on International Relations and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Argentina and Brazil.

“I salute and recognise you on this occasion of your 85th birthday and always as a patriot, intellectual giant, diplomat, doyen of journalism, and elder statesman who has served Nigeria with diligence and commitment. I salute you as a Nigerian who has demonstrated the highest ideals of professionalism, leadership, and moral courage. Your lifetime of service to Nigeria has inspired countless others to pursue excellence for the betterment of our society.

“Once again, I say Happy birthday with 85 memorable cheers!!!!!”

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