Nigeria has lost one of its most respected elder statesmen, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 93.
In a statement announcing his passing, the family expressed gratitude for his remarkable life and enduring legacy, saying:
“We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings.”
A Life of Distinction
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr. Kolade led a life defined by excellence, integrity, and public service.
The son of an Anglican missionary, he attended Government College, Ibadan, before proceeding to Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he laid the foundation for an illustrious career that would span broadcasting, business, diplomacy, and academia.
Over the decades, Dr. Kolade earned several honorary doctorate degrees, including from the University of Sierra Leone (1976) and McPherson University (2016), in recognition of his outstanding contributions to leadership and education.
Broadcasting and Business Leadership
Dr. Kolade began his professional journey in broadcasting, where he distinguished himself as a gifted communicator and visionary leader. Rising through the ranks, he became Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), earning nationwide respect for his integrity and innovation.
His career later extended into the corporate world, where he served as Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, a role that further cemented his reputation as a model of ethical leadership and good governance.
Diplomatic and Academic Excellence
In recognition of his leadership and credibility, Dr. Kolade was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, where he represented the nation with distinction.
Following his diplomatic service, he turned to academia, joining the Pan-Atlantic University community, where he taught Corporate Governance, Human Resource Management, and Leadership and Conflict Management at the Lagos Business School (LBS) and the School of Media and Communication (SMC).
He also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, guiding institutional growth with the same integrity that defined his public life.
Service, Integrity, and Global Recognition
Beyond academia, Dr. Kolade was deeply involved in both national and international development initiatives. He held leadership positions in several esteemed 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.
In 2012, he was appointed Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) by then-President Goodluck Jonathan, where he oversaw efforts to promote transparency in public spending.
A champion of ethical business practices, he also chaired the Integrity Organization Ltd. GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd. GTE.
His lifelong commitment to moral leadership earned him numerous honors, including the Order of St. Augustine Medal from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
An Enduring Legacy
Dr. Christopher Kolade will be remembered as a man of deep faith, moral conviction, and exceptional service to Nigeria and humanity. His legacy lives on — in the institutions he led, the students he mentored, and the generations he inspired to lead with integrity.
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