One of Nigeria’s most respected elder statesmen, Dr Christopher Kolade, has passed away at the age of 92. His family confirmed his death in a statement 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 statement said in part.
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr Kolade lived a life defined by integrity, leadership, and service across multiple sectors — from broadcasting and diplomacy to corporate governance and academia.
The son of an Anglican missionary, Kolade attended Government College, Ibadan, before advancing to Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone. His academic excellence earned him honorary doctorate degrees from institutions including the University of Sierra Leone (1976) and McPherson University (2016).
Dr Kolade began his professional career in broadcasting, rising to become Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). He later transitioned to the corporate world, serving as Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where his leadership and ethical reputation flourished.
His distinguished service earned him a diplomatic appointment as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a role in which he represented the country with honour and distinction.
Following his diplomatic tenure, Dr Kolade focused on shaping minds and institutions, lecturing in Corporate Governance and Human Resource Management at the Lagos Business School (LBS) and in Leadership and Conflict Management at the School of Media and Communication (SMC), both under Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. He also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university.
Dr Kolade held leadership roles in numerous professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, the International Institute for Communications, and the World Association for Christian Communication.
Recognised for his service to humanity, he received multiple honours, including the Order of St. Augustine medal from the Archbishop of Canterbury. In 2012, he was appointed Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Board by then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
A lifelong advocate for transparency and ethical conduct in business, Dr Kolade also chaired Integrity Organization Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE, leaving a legacy of principled leadership across Nigeria and beyond.
The death of Dr Christopher Kolade at the aged of 92 has deprived Nigeria of one of its most illustrious sons. I cherish memories of his insightfulness and graciousness. He will always be remembered for his dedication to serving our country, especially during his tenure as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. I had the unique privilege of serving under him as Chief Librarian, and I was part of one of his committees established to streamline service delivery by the High Commission.
Selflessness and love for God were at the core of his service.
May he rest in peace.
Dr Anthony Adeloye,
Former Chief Librarian, Nigeria High Commission London.