President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the passing of Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, describing him as a symbol of integrity, discipline, and national service.
Kolade, who died at the age of 92, was celebrated for his contributions to broadcasting, corporate governance, and education.
In a statement from the Presidency, Tinubu said the late diplomat’s death was a huge loss to the country, noting that his legacy of ethical leadership would continue to inspire future generations. The President hailed him as “one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures” whose work cut across diplomacy, public administration, and moral leadership.
Born in 1932 in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Kolade started his career in broadcasting and rose to become Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. He later served as Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where he earned a reputation for honesty and professionalism that defined his corporate life.
Kolade’s distinguished record saw him appointed as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a position he held with distinction. After his diplomatic service, he joined the Lagos Business School as a lecturer in corporate governance and leadership and later became the Pro-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos.
Throughout his lifetime, Kolade also chaired several national and international organisations, including the Nigerian Institute of Management and the World Association for Christian Communication. In 2012, he was appointed by then-President Goodluck Jonathan as chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of Kolade’s soul, saying the late elder statesman lived a life of service, faith, and transparency. He also commended Kolade’s humanitarian work through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, which supported education and health initiatives across Nigeria.