Renowned broadcaster, diplomat, and corporate leader, Dr. Christopher Kolade, has died at the age of 93.
Kolade, who served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, after a distinguished career spanning broadcasting, business, academia, and public service.
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Kolade began his career in broadcasting and rose to become Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). He later joined Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where he served as Chief Executive and subsequently Chairman of the Board.
A respected voice in governance and ethics, Kolade was widely admired for his integrity and commitment to transparency. He chaired several institutions promoting ethical leadership, including the Integrity Organisation and the Convention on Business Integrity.
Beyond the corporate world, Kolade made his mark in academia as a teacher of corporate governance and leadership at the Lagos Business School. He was also Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Pan-Atlantic University and Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun State.
During his diplomatic service, Kolade represented Nigeria as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2002 to 2007, earning praise for his professionalism and patriotism.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country, with many describing him as “a model of integrity” and “one of Nigeria’s finest public servants.”
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
