Nigeria has lost one of its most revered figures, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 92.
The family released a statement announcing his death, expressing gratitude for his impactful life: “We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service; and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings.”
A Life of Integrity and Service
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr. Kolade dedicated his life to leadership, ethics, and service across four distinct fields: broadcasting, corporate governance, diplomacy, and academia. His reputation for integrity and ethical conduct was a defining feature of his long career.
Key Career Highlights:
- Broadcasting: He started his professional journey in media, rising to the position of Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).
- Corporate Governance: He later moved to the private sector, serving as the Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc.
- Diplomacy: Dr. Kolade leveraged his spotless reputation to serve as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a post he executed with distinction.
- Academia: Following his diplomatic service, he became a respected lecturer at the Lagos Business School (LBS)and the School of Media and Communication (SMC), both under Pan-Atlantic University. He also served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university.
A Champion of Ethics
A lifelong advocate for transparency and ethical standards in public and corporate life, Dr. Kolade chaired the boards of both the Integrity Organization Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE.
His outstanding service was recognized with numerous honours, including the Order of St. Augustine medal from the Archbishop of Canterbury and the appointment in 2012 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan as Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Board.
Dr. Kolade’s extensive influence across different sectors—from setting ethical standards in corporate Nigeria to representing the country on the global stage—cemented his status as a true elder statesman.
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