Renowned Nigerian statesman, diplomat, and corporate icon Dr. Christopher Kolade passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 93.
His family announced his peaceful transition in a statement, expressing gratitude for his remarkable life of faith and public service.
“We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service; and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings,” the statement said.
The statement said the late broadcaster 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.
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr. Kolade was the son of an Anglican missionary.
He attended Government College, Ibadan, and later pursued higher education at Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Dr. Kolade holds honorary doctorate degrees from McPherson University (2016) and the University of Sierra Leone (1976), among others.
Dr. Kolade’s illustrious career spanned multiple sectors, including Broadcasting where he rose to become the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).
He also served as Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where he instituted human capacity development and promoted a culture of professionalism and excellence.
He was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, strengthening ties between both nations.
He taught Corporate Governance and Human Resource Management at the Lagos Business School (LBS) and Leadership and Conflict Management at the School of Media and Communication (SMC), both at Pan-Atlantic University.
Dr. Kolade was a champion of business integrity, serving as Chairman of Integrity Organisation Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE.
He was also a passionate advocate for good governance and moral education. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described him as “one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures” and “among the finest of men. ”
Tributes have poured in from across Nigeria and beyond, celebrating Dr. Kolade’s life of service, excellence, and unwavering integrity.
His legacy continued to inspire future generations of leaders and citizens.
Meanwhile, Bola President Tinubu has mourned Dr Kolade, describing him as “One of Nigeria’s Intellectual Treasures”
President Tinubu in a statement issued on Thursday, described Kolade as “one of the finest of men” and expressed profound sadness at his passing.
President Tinubu highlighted Dr. Kolade’s remarkable contributions to Nigeria and humanity, noting that he served the country with distinction in various capacities, including diplomat.
President Tinubu praised Dr. Kolade’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in governance, describing him as a patriot and an uncompromising advocate for good governance.
He also commended Dr. Kolade’s humanitarian work, particularly through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, which supported sickle cell patients.
The President prayed for eternal rest for Dr. Kolade’s soul and described his passing as a loss to the nation.
He celebrated Dr. Kolade’s life of service, integrity, and excellence, saying he would be remembered for generations to come.
