A terse statement from the family of Dr Christopher Kolade on October 8, 2025, announced the transcendence to eternity of this gentleman, who the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, His Lordship, Rev Dr Matthew Hassan Kukah, described in these words, “Some people had God working extra time. You are a great man; you have served God, humanity, and your nation very well. He will bless you.”
His family added, “We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings.”
Mourning the demise of this icon whose presence in broadcasting, the boardroom, academia and the diplomatic corps became an inimitable touchstone, President Bola Ahmed said, “he is one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures and a symbol of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service, a figure in the country’s enterprise history and a towering personality in both the public and private sectors.”
Tinubu went on to paint Kolade in these colours. “He was a custodian of our enterprise’s history, particularly regarding corporate governance and human resources management. He was a principal figure in reputable institutions like the Lagos Business School.”
He described the late elder statesman as “among the finest of men—exceptionally brilliant, statesmanly, diligent, and with unimpeachable integrity.”
President Tinubu said his contributions to governance and leadership training were “foundational to the evolution of modern corporate ethics in Nigeria.”
“He was not only a boardroom icon but also a patriot and an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability in governance,” the President noted.
The tribute further highlighted Kolade’s distinguished service record, from his early career as a colonial-era education officer to his later roles as Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Another distinguished diplomat, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, reflected on Kolade’s remarkable contributions to both public service and the private sector. In his opinion, the late statesman embodied values of honour, professionalism, and moral excellence that are rare in today’s Nigeria.
“Alas, the country has lost an Iroko in its limited forest of public servants with impeccable integrity and ethical leaders in its corporate world,” he wrote.
Anyaoku also recalled Kolade’s service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, describing his diplomatic tenure as one of grace and distinction.
“Christopher and I often bantered about the three weeks between his and my birthdays, thereby entitling him to claim the privileges applicable to age seniority in our age-conscious society,” Anyaoku reminisced.
A Christian-based non-governmental organisation, Stsinoiz International Club, of which Kolade was a patron, described the late elder statesman as a “mentor, motivator, and moral guardian, who lived a life of principled leadership, humility, and an unwavering commitment to ethical nation-building.”
The club, in a statement, said “His vision for a just, disciplined, and value-driven society will continue to guide our engagements and inspire our programmes.”
Christopher Kolade was born on December 28, 1932 in Erin – Oke, Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. He completed his secondary-school education at Government College, Ibadan after which he studied at the famous Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone. His career path took him through the education sector, where he served as a colonial-era Education Officer in Nigeria.
Kolade also worked as a broadcaster and rose to the pinnacle of his career as Director General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). On retirement from the public service, he joined Cadbury Nigeria Limited, first as Director of Administration and later became the Chief Executive and Chairman of the board.
A well-sought-after personality in the public sphere, he was appointed Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Always available to drive discussions on matters of interest to the nation, both in the public and private sectors, the late elder statesman took on an appointment with the prestigious Lagos Business School (LBS), where he mentored young minds in Corporate Governance and Human Resources Management.
He also taught Leadership and Conflict Management at School of Media & Communication (SMC). LBS and SMC are both schools of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
Kolade was a respected promoter of business integrity in Nigeria. He devoted his time and talent to this worthy cause through his chairmanship of organisations such as Integrity Organisation Ltd and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd.
His longevity and death at the ripe age of 92 attest to the fact that he lived a good life. Bishop Kukah summed it up, “Dr Kolade has walked through the exit door, leaving behind a trail of charm, radiance, effervescence, rectitude and virtue. He loved God and walked on His path. May the doors of eternity open wide to receive him.”
As a mark of recognition for his impeccable services to humanity, a grateful nation bestowed on him the national honour of Commander of the Order On the Niger (CON).
This newspaper joins his family, relatives and friends in wishing him a peaceful repose in the bosom of the Lord.
