Nigeria’s political and business elite have continued to mourn the passing of Dr. Christopher Kolade, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, describing him as a man of rare integrity, discipline, and enduring service to humanity.
According to a statement issued by his family, Dr. Kolade, a veteran broadcaster, accomplished administrator, and revered boardroom leader, died on Wednesday at the age of 92.
Born in Erin-Oke, Osun State, in 1932, Dr. Christopher Kolade was one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in broadcasting, business, and diplomacy. He served as the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and later as the nation’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
He was also known for his deep commitment to ethics, having chaired several initiatives on corporate governance and business integrity. His exemplary career earned him national and international recognition, including numerous awards and honorary doctorates.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the tributes, joined by Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; and several other eminent Nigerians who extolled the late diplomat’s virtues and exemplary record of public service.
Tinunu described Dr. Kolade as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished statesmen, noting that his contributions to national development were built on character, honour, and professionalism.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President said Dr. Kolade “lived an extraordinary life of service and made invaluable contributions to nation-building through broadcasting, business, and public service.”
He added that the late elder statesman “embodied the finest virtues of leadership, integrity, discipline, and devotion to excellence leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.”
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has joined the growing list of eminent Nigerians mourning the passing of Dr. Christopher Kolade, describing him as “an Iroko in the country’s limited forest of public servants with impeccable integrity.”
In a condolence message sent from London, Chief Anyaoku expressed deep grief over the death of the renowned diplomat, corporate leader, and statesman, noting that Nigeria has lost one of its most principled and ethical figures in both public and private life.
“Christopher Kolade was a star leader in our country’s broadcasting service, a real guru in the private sector where, among other notable accomplishments, he guided as the Chief Executive Officer and later as Chairman the operations of such great company as Cadbury Nigeria Plc,” Anyaoku said.
The former Commonwealth chief also praised Kolade’s enduring contributions to Nigeria’s global image, citing his distinguished service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a role he performed with dignity, honour, and exceptional diplomatic finesse.
Reflecting on their close friendship, Chief Anyaoku recalled with fondness their playful conversations about the three-week gap between their birthdays, noting that Dr. Kolade often joked about enjoying “the privileges of age seniority in our age-conscious society.”
Also, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Kolade’s death as the end of an era, noting that the country had lost one of its most respected diplomats, educators, and corporate governance advocates.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said the nonagenarian “served passionately with integrity and honour and was indeed a blessing to his generation.”
He recalled Kolade’s leadership roles as Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, as examples of his excellence and commitment to duty.
Sanwo-Olu added: “On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, we celebrate the departure of a legend and doyen of the boardroom who made a positive and lasting impact during his lifetime.”
He prayed for the repose of Kolade’s soul and for comfort for his family, friends, and associates, adding that “his legacy of integrity cannot be forgotten.”
In the same vein, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, expressed deep sorrow over Kolade’s passing, describing it as “a colossal loss to the nation.”
A statement signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, and made available to Nigerian NewsDirect, Adeleke said the news came as “a rude shock,” noting that Kolade’s wisdom and experience were much needed in the country’s current phase of governance.
He said: “Throughout his life, Dr. Kolade made integrity his watchword in all his dealings. As a public officer, he never used public office for personal benefits, and as a businessman, he championed integrity through his chairmanship of organisations such as the Integrity Organisation Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE.”
He described the late diplomat as a man of rare distinction whose life was defined by excellence, humility, and untainted integrity, praying that God would grant him eternal rest.
Also, Former Sokoto State Governor and serving Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, also paid glowing tribute to Kolade, describing him as “a shining example of integrity, discipline, and service.”
In a statement posted on his X handle, sighted by our correspondent, Tambuwal said the elder statesman “embodied values that remain timeless hard work, humility, and unwavering commitment to the common good.”
“In broadcasting, he set standards that nurtured generations of professionals. In business, he was a trailblazer who combined vision with character. As a diplomat and public servant, he carried Nigeria’s name with dignity and honour,” Tambuwal wrote.
He expressed condolences to the Kolade family, praying that “the Almighty grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the fortitude to bear the great loss.”
