Abuja: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Dr. Christopher Kolade, praising him as a man of uncommon dedication to integrity, nation-building, and service to humanity.
According to Voice of Nigeria, President Tinubu described the late Kolade as an inimitable broadcaster, boardroom icon, and one of Nigeria’s most treasured intellectuals. In a personally written tribute, the President said he received with profound sadness the news of Dr. Kolade’s passing, noting that Nigeria has lost a rare breed who combined brilliance, discipline, and statesmanship in every aspect of his life.
The President portrayed the late elder statesman as a representation of the true Nigerian spirit-selfless, resilient, and upright-saying his values would continue to inspire generations to come. ‘Dr Kolade, 92, was a custodian of our enterprise history, especially concerning corporate governance and human resources management. He was a principal figure in reputable institutions like the Lagos Business School,’ President Tinubu said.
The Nigerian Leader further described Dr. Kolade as among the finest of men-exceptionally brilliant, statesmanlike, diligent, and of unimpeachable integrity, stressing that his name was synonymous with ethical leadership and transparency in both corporate and public life. The Nigerian Leader praised the late diplomat’s exemplary career, noting that he distinguished himself as Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, leaving behind ineffaceable imprints of excellence in each role.
Dr. Kolade 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 endeavor, whether in the boardroom, on panels, or public office. President Tinubu also highlighted Dr. Kolade’s humanitarian legacy through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, particularly his advocacy for sickle cell patients, a cause he supported generously with his personal resources.
He said, ‘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.’ President Tinubu ended his tribute praying God Almighty grant Dr. Christopher Kolade eternal rest.
A statement issued by the late renowned elder statesman Dr. Christopher Kolade’s family stated that he died peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr. Kolade had a distinguished career as a diplomat, academic, advocate for integrity and corporate governance, among other things.