Dr Christopher Kolade: Ambassador Extraordinaire

I was saddened by the news of the passing of this great patriot, but at the same time, grateful for his life of impact in so many spheres and on so many individuals.

I had the privilege of interacting with Dr. Christopher Kolade CON and indeed working closely with him during his period of service to Nigeria as our High Commissioner to the Court of Saint James. Dr. Christopher Kolade arrived in the United Kingdom when the High Commission was in a complete state of chaos. The consular/visa section, which was on Fleet Street at the time had no utilities. No light, no heating, and no funding. The High Commission itself on Northumberland Avenue was in shambles. The diplomats and staff were disheartened and rudderless. The High Commission functioned more as a protocol office than a diplomatic mission, simply there to pick up and drop off visiting dignitaries from Nigeria.

Then along came Dr Kolade. One man riot squad! I had been drawn into his circle very early on as he had the knack of identifying people willing to serve. Three months into his tenure, we had our first private lunch at the Commonwealth Club opposite the High Commission with his lady wife, Aunty Beatrice, who regaled me with the tales of her husband’s sleepless nights grappling with the problems that he met at the High Commission. He in turn, told me the story of how he was appointed by the then President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who gave him no option and simply said, “I’m going to announce your appointment tomorrow morning” at which point, he then said, “well, you will have to persuade my wife first, because I promised her I would retire this time around.” Needless to say, Aunt Beatrice was eventually persuaded because here they were, serving Nigeria in London.
Fast forward a couple of months or so further into his tenure, and there was a complete sea change! The visa and consular section was moved to Northumberland Avenue. Fleet Street was shut down. The diplomats and other workers were energized. They were working as efficiently as the best of their counterparts globally!

Before Dr Kolade’s arrival, I had gotten used to calls from friends and relatives whenever they had to have the dreaded interaction with the Nigerian high commission, either to get a visa or to renew their passports. “Boma, please, do you know anybody who can help us?” and I would give them a contact because I knew that they would need that personal contact in order to navigate the labyrinthine passage of the high commission to get a simple service every citizen should be entitled to, as of right.
Thanks to Dr Kolade’s exceptional leadership, I could say to anyone who called me, “You don’t need a number from me. Just go there. The process works. They will attend to you. You don’t need to know anybody.” It was so hard to believe for many with experience. I would have to assure them, “Listen, I’m just a phone call away. You go test the process and if you have any issues, give me a call.” They would reluctantly then go with the assurance that I am a phone call away and ready to help if need be. At the end of the process, EVERYONE, WITHOUT EXCEPTION would call and confirm that they received exceptional service and did not need to know anyone! It was orderly. Citizens were treated with courtesy and given precedence over foreigners. We were all so proud.

He not only reorganized the High Commission, he reorganized the Nigerian communities in the United Kingdom. There was a whole host of them, right down to town and village unions, communicating directly with the high commission. He initiated and coordinated the negotiations that led to the formation of CANUK – Central Association of Nigerians in the UK.

In addition to putting back orders in the visa and consular section, and the Nigerian Community in Diaspora, Dr. Christopher Kolade understood his role in promoting Nigerian businesses, enhancing trade between Nigeria and the United Kingdom from the perspective of Nigeria. He ensured we stood tall in the Committee of Nations and protected the reputation of Nigeria. He projected the positive about Nigeria. He facilitated trade engagements with private businesspeople who wanted contacts and partners in the United Kingdom.

Dr Christopher Kolade CON was an extraordinary diplomat, not because he had the training, but because he was a visionary leader, a committed patriot, and a man of integrity. His commitment to excellence also meant that whatever he put his hand to not only succeeded, but excelled. It was a rare privilege to observe him at work. He shared many nuggets of wisdom with us, in this period, one of which has become one of my guiding principles. “Standards are subject to gravity, if we do not uphold them, they will fall.”

One final note on mentorship and lessons from Dr. Kolade, again, simply because that’s who he was. He was my mentor. He was my leader, and his impact, like all great leaders and mentors, is lifelong. Bring an issue to Dr. Kolade and he would listen intently. Agree with you. This is not right. This can be done better. He would then take the issue and throw it right back at you. “So, what are you going to do about it?” This was his favorite question. This question was his way of teaching you to understand your role and power as a citizen. Understand the fact that YOU CAN do something about it. Do not just complain and leave it on the table. What are you going to do about it would be his response, and then, How can I help you make it better? Always, with you in the lead. Not him making it better for you.

So as citizens, please answer Dr. Kolade’s favorite question each and every one of you in that space where you think things could be done better. You don’t like the way it is. What are you going to do about it? The power is in your hands. That was a message Dr. Kolade kept trying to pass on to us and I got that message. Have you?

Dr. Christopher Kolade, CON. Ambassador Extraordinaire. Patriot. Good man. May the Almighty receive you into paradise and be merciful to you. Rest in perfect peace, Sir.

–Boma Alabi, OON SAN, writes from Lagos, via [email protected]