President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and elder statesman, Dr. Christopher Kolade, describing him as one of the finest men to have served the nation.
The veteran broadcaster and respected diplomat passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92.
In a statement issued on Thursday, President Tinubu paid glowing tributes to Dr. Kolade, acknowledging his immense contributions to nation-building, public service, and corporate leadership.
“I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of the inimitable Dr. Christopher Kolade, a broadcaster and boardroom guru who is one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures,” the President said.
Tinubu described the late Kolade as a man of integrity, brilliance, and statesmanship, noting that his life embodied honesty, dedication, and selfless service to Nigeria.
“Dr. Kolade 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,” the President stated.
The President further praised Kolade’s commitment to transparency and accountability, recalling his remarkable achievements in both the public and private sectors.
“Dr. Kolade was not only a boardroom icon, serving as one-time chief executive and chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, but also a patriot and an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability in governance,” he added.
President Tinubu also highlighted Kolade’s distinguished service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and his tenure as Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, describing his legacy as “ineffaceable.”
“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 noted.
The President further commended Kolade’s humanitarian work through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, especially his advocacy for sickle cell patients, to whom he devoted a large part of his personal resources.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He described the late statesman as a true Nigerian selfless, disciplined, and resilient whose life will continue to inspire generations to come.
“May God Almighty, whom he served so faithfully, grant him eternal rest,” the President prayed.
Dr. Christopher Kolade, a respected figure in Nigeria’s media and business landscape, was widely known for his integrity, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. His passing marks the end of an era for many in Nigeria’s corporate and public sectors.
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