President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and respected elder statesman, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who died at the age of 92.
The Kolade family announced his death in a statement, saying: “We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and remain grateful for God’s abundant blessings.”
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr. Kolade was widely admired for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to excellence across broadcasting, diplomacy, academia, and corporate governance.
A son of an Anglican missionary, Kolade attended Government College, Ibadan, and later Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Over the course of his distinguished career, he received honorary doctorates from the University of Sierra Leone in 1976 and McPherson University in 2016.
Kolade began his professional journey in broadcasting, rising through the ranks to become Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). He later transitioned into the corporate world, where he served as Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, earning widespread respect for his principled leadership.
His outstanding service led to his appointment as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a position he held with great distinction.
After his diplomatic service, Dr. Kolade joined Lagos Business School (LBS) as a lecturer in Corporate Governance and Human Resource Management. He later taught Leadership and Conflict Management at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, where he also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.
Beyond academia, Kolade played significant roles in various professional organizations, including the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, the International Institute for Communications, and the World Association for Christian Communication.
His numerous honors included the Order of St. Augustine Medal from the Archbishop of Canterbury. In 2012, he was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan as Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).
A lifelong advocate of transparency and ethics, Dr. Kolade also chaired the Integrity Organisation Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE.
Tinubu’s Tribute
In a personally signed statement, President Tinubu described Kolade as “one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures” whose life exemplified discipline, integrity, and selfless service.
He said:
“Dr. Kolade, 92, was a custodian of our enterprise history, especially in corporate governance and human resource management. He was a principal figure in reputable institutions like the Lagos Business School.”
The President praised Kolade as “among the finest of men — exceptionally brilliant, statesmanly, diligent, and with unimpeachable integrity.”
Tinubu noted that Kolade’s patriotism and advocacy for accountability defined his legacy.
“He served Nigeria with honesty and devotion. From his time as an education officer in the colonial era to his leadership at the NBC and as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Kolade left a mark of distinction in every sphere — public service, the boardroom, and academia.”
The President also highlighted Kolade’s humanitarian impact through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, especially his support for sickle cell patients, to whom he reportedly donated a significant portion of his income.
“Dr. Kolade’s death is painful, but we celebrate his exemplary life and enduring legacy. He lived for others and immortalised himself through his uncommon service to Nigeria and humanity,” Tinubu added.
He prayed for God to grant Kolade’s soul eternal rest and comfort his family.
