A former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Patrick Adaba, has died days after he collapsed upon hearing of the death of his elder brother, Prof. Tom Adaba, pioneer Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

A reliable source close to the Adaba family told News Express this Monday morning, March 10, 2025: “We lost again Chief Patrick Adaba, mni, immediate younger brother to late Prof Tom Adaba and former Kogi State Deputy Governor (1999 to 2007). He died yesterday evening.”

Asked the circumstances of his death, the source revealed: “He had been in a precarious health condition in the last two years. In fact, when he was told his brother had passed-on, he collapsed and rushed to the hospital and later discharged. Hmmm, he died at 7.45pm yesterday.”

The elder Adaba, who died early on Saturday morning, February 22 in Abuja at the age of 84, and was buried according last Friday, March 7 – only for Patrick to pass away about 24 hours later.

Among the early mourners of Patrick Adaba, 79, was the Kogi State Government.

Lamenting his death, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said in a statement: “Chief Adaba was a shining model of leadership, service, and dedication to the progress of Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole. As Deputy Governor to the late Prince Abubakar Audu, he served with integrity, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the development of our state. His contributions to governance, his statesmanship, and his role in shaping the early foundation of Kogi State will never be forgotten.

“His passing is not only a loss to his family, the Ebira nation, and his political associates, but also to the entire state and the nation at large. We will forever remember his selfless service, his passion for the people, and the legacy he leaves behind.

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chief Servant of Kogi State, extends his deepest condolences to the Adaba family, the people of Kogi State, and all who were touched by Chief Adaba’s life and leadership.

“He fuelled his dream of a great Kogi State with unblemished patriotism and great service to our dear state in and out of office as we continued to consult him to tap from his wealth of experience. He will be sorely missed.

“We pray that the Almighty grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family the strength to bear this great loss. We pray that his legacy continues to inspire generations to come.”