BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the death of Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Christopher Kolade.
While describing Kolade as one of Nigeria's intellectual treasures, he recalled that the late elder statesman was also a broadcaster and boardroom guru.
Kolade died peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at age 92.
Tinubu noted that Kolade was a custodian of enterprise history, especially concerning corporate governance and human resources management, as well as a principal figure in reputable institutions like the Lagos Business School.
The President said: "He (Kolade) was among the finest of men. He was exceptionally brilliant, statesmanly, diligent, and had unimpeachable integrity.
"Dr Kolade was not only a boardroom icon, serving as one-time chief executive and chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, but he was also a patriot and an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability in governance.
"He served Nigeria dutifully, with honesty and great dedication. From working as a colonial-era education officer to serving as Nigeria's high commissioner to the United Kingdom and director-general of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, Dr Kolade left ineffaceable stamps of distinction in every endeavour, whether in the boardroom, on panels, or public office."
Tinubu recalled the late diplomat's many humanitarian interventions through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, especially his support for sickle cell patients, a cause to which he donated a chunk of his earnings.
"Dr Kolade's passing is agonising, yet we must celebrate his life and legacy. He lived an exemplary life and immortalised himself in his uncommon service to our nation and humanity.
"He will remain an inspiration for us and for many generations. He was a representation of the true Nigerian, selfless and resilient. May God Almighty, whom he served so faithfully, grant him eternal rest," Tinubu added.
Briefly
Born on December 28, 1932 in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Kolade was the son of an Anglican missionary.
He completed his secondary education at Government College, Ibadan, after which he studied at Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
He was the pioneer Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), and also a leading voice on ethics, leadership, and corporate governance at the Lagos Business School.
Kolade was a colonial-era education officer in Nigeria. He taught corporate governance and human resources management, as well as leadership & conflict management at the School of Media & Communication (SMC), both at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.
Formerly a member of the university’s Governing Council, Kolade also served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Pan-Atlantic University.
He was also the Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun, Nigeria.
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