Nigeria has lost one of its most respected elder statesmen. Dr Christopher Kolade, a man whose life embodied integrity, service, and faith, passed away at the age of 92.
His family confirmed his death in a statement released 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 family said.
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr Kolade’s journey spanned broadcasting, diplomacy, corporate leadership, and education. The son of an Anglican missionary, he attended Government College, Ibadan, before proceeding to Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
He later received honorary doctorates from the University of Sierra Leone in 1976 and McPherson University in 2016, in recognition of his immense contributions to national development and public ethics.
Dr Kolade began his professional career in broadcasting, rising to become Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. He later joined Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where he served as Chief Executive and eventually as Chairman, setting high standards for corporate governance and transparency.
Diplomat, Reformer, and Mentor
Kolade’s distinguished service took him beyond Nigeria’s shores when he was appointed as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. His tenure was marked by tact, humility, and credibility.
After his diplomatic years, he devoted himself to academia — shaping future leaders as a lecturer at Lagos Business School and the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University.
There, he taught courses in corporate governance, leadership, and human resource management, and also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.
Champion of Ethics and Good Governance
Dr Kolade’s life was a constant campaign for integrity in both public and private life. He chaired the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Institute of Personnel Management, and the Convention on Business Integrity.
In 2012, he was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan to lead the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), an initiative aimed at redirecting funds from fuel subsidy savings to social and infrastructural development.
A devout Christian, Kolade was also honoured by the Archbishop of Canterbury with the Order of St. Augustine medal for exemplary service to humanity and the Church.
A Legacy that Transcends Generations
Those who knew him describe Dr Kolade as a man of rare humility and discipline — a voice of conscience in times when Nigeria’s moral compass faltered. His passing leaves a deep void, but his legacy endures through the many institutions, reforms, and leaders he helped build.
He is survived by his wife, Beatrice, children, and grandchildren.
May his example of service and integrity continue to inspire Nigeria’s next generation of leaders.
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