Nigeria Mourns: Revered Statesman, Dr. Christopher Kolade, Dies at 93

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Nigeria is mourning the loss of one of its most distinguished elder statesmen, diplomats, and thought leaders, Dr. Christopher Kolade, CON, who passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

Dr. Kolade's family confirmed the news in a statement, expressing gratitude for his life of unparalleled service, deep faith, and unyielding integrity. "We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and are grateful for God's abundant blessings," the family said.

Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr. Kolade's life was a multi-faceted career that left an indelible mark on Nigeria's media, corporate, diplomatic, and academic landscapes. He was widely referred to across the country as "Mr. Integrity" for his unblemished public and private life.

A Career Spanning Decades of Service

Dr. Kolade's illustrious career journey touched several vital sectors of national life:

• Broadcasting Pioneer: He began his career as an Education Officer during the colonial era before moving into broadcasting. He rose to the pinnacle of the media profession, serving as the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) from 1960 to 1978, where he helped shape the country's early broadcasting standards.

• Corporate Leadership: Transitioning to the corporate world, he became the Chief Executive and later Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc (1978 – 2002). His tenure is often remembered as a "golden era" for the company, where he instituted human capacity development and promoted a culture of professionalism and excellence.

• Diplomat Par Excellence: From 2002 to 2007, he served with distinction as Nigeria's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. His tenure was noted for representing the nation with dignity and effectiveness on the global stage.

• Academic and Mentor: Following his diplomatic posting, Dr. Kolade became deeply involved in academia. He was a lecturer at the Lagos Business School (LBS) and the School of Media and Communication (SMC), both of the Pan-Atlantic University, where he taught Corporate Governance, Human Resource Management, and Leadership and Conflict Management. He also served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Pan-Atlantic University and was the Chancellor of McPherson University.

Champion of Ethics and Integrity

Beyond his high-profile roles, Dr. Kolade was a passionate advocate for good governance and business integrity. He was the pioneer President/Chairman of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria and chaired organizations like the Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE and Integrity Organisation Ltd GTE. His principled stand was highlighted by his resignation from the headship of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) board, citing corruption and transparency issues.

For his immense contributions to the nation, he was awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2000. He also received the medal of the Order of St. Augustine from the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1981, and was a Lay Canon Emeritus of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in the Diocese of Guildford, UK.

Dr. Kolade's legacy is defined by his commitment to excellence, a deep sense of humility, and his unwavering belief in ethical leadership. His passing marks the end of an era, but his exemplary life will continue to serve as a beacon for current and future generations of Nigerian leaders. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.