Christopher Kolade dies at 92

Renowned broadcaster and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Christopher Kolade, has passed away at the age of 92. His family announced the elder statesman’s death in a statement issued on Thursday, confirming that he died peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. “We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and […]

Renowned broadcaster and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Christopher Kolade, has passed away at the age of 92.

His family announced the elder statesman’s death in a statement issued on Thursday, confirming that he died peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

“We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings,” the statement read in part.

Dr Kolade, who was also a former Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, was widely respected for his contributions to public service, corporate governance, and ethical leadership.

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Profile

Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Kolade was the son of an Anglican missionary. He attended Government College, Ibadan, and later proceeded to Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he completed his university education.

Kolade began his career in broadcasting and rose to become Director General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), serving in the sector from 1960 to 1978.

He was later appointed Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where he became a leading voice in corporate ethics and reform.

In the diplomatic sphere, Kolade served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, earning praise for his professionalism and integrity.

Upon his return, he continued to contribute to national development through teaching and mentoring. At the Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos, he taught Corporate Governance and Human Resource Management at the Lagos Business School, and Leadership and Conflict Management at the School of Media and Communication.

He also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, helping to shape the university’s academic and ethical standards.

Beyond academia, Dr. Kolade’s influence extended across several professional and faith-based organizations.

He chaired the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, the International Institute for Communications, and the World Association for Christian Communication.

In 2000, he was conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Until his death, Dr Kolade remained Chancellor of McPherson University, continuing to lend his voice to national development, ethical leadership, and educational advancement.

 

Kolade was a patriot – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the late Dr. Kolade as a patriot and one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures, saying he received the news of his passing with deep sadness.

In a statement personally signed by him, President Tinubu said the late elder statesman, who died at the age of 92, was a broadcaster and boardroom guru who made remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s development.

“Dr. Kolade was a custodian of our enterprise history, particularly in the areas of corporate governance and human resources management. He was a principal figure in reputable institutions such as the Lagos Business School,” the president said.

He described the deceased as “among the finest of men—exceptionally brilliant, statesmanly, diligent, and a man of unimpeachable integrity.”

According to Tinubu, Dr. Kolade was not only a boardroom icon but also “a patriot and an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability in governance.”

The President noted that Dr. Kolade served Nigeria dutifully and honestly—from his days as a colonial-era education officer to his tenure as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and as Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation.

“Dr. Kolade left indelible marks of distinction in every endeavour, whether in the boardroom, on panels, or in public service,” Tinubu said.

He also recalled the late statesman’s humanitarian work through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, particularly his support for sickle cell patients, to whom he devoted a significant portion of his resources.

“Dr. Kolade’s passing is painful, yet we must celebrate his life and legacy. He lived an exemplary life and immortalised himself through his uncommon service to our nation and humanity.

“He will remain an inspiration to us and future generations. He was the true Nigerian—selfless, resilient, and faithful. May God Almighty, whom he served devotedly, grant him eternal rest,” Tinubu said.