Nigeria is mourning the passing of one of its most distinguished citizens, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who died on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 93. His death marks the close of an extraordinary chapter in Nigeria’s national life , a chapter written not in loud declarations, but in the quiet, steady handwriting of integrity, leadership, and service.
Born on December 28, 1932, Dr. Kolade lived through the eras that shaped modern Nigeria, and at every stage, he left his imprint as a teacher, broadcaster, corporate leader, diplomat, mentor, and elder statesman. His life was not merely a succession of positions held, but a consistent demonstration of values that rarely wavered across decades.
He began his professional journey in education, imparting knowledge and discipline to young minds. But it was in broadcasting that his voice first reached the nation. As he rose through the ranks to become Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, Kolade became a model of professionalism in an era when radio and television were shaping Nigeria’s post-independence identity. He stood firmly for truth, excellence, and dignity in public communication. Generations of journalists, producers, and broadcasters would later look back on his era as a golden standard of leadership in the media.
Dr. Kolade’s transition to the corporate world was seamless, and his impact was profound. At Cadbury Nigeria, where he served as Chief Executive and later as Chairman, he showed that ethical leadership could thrive even in competitive business environments. His tenure was marked by strategic growth, transparency, and trust. At a time when corporate Nigeria was still maturing, Dr. Kolade became a benchmark, a man who proved that commercial success and moral clarity could walk hand in hand.
His sense of national duty extended far beyond the boardroom. He represented Nigeria with grace and distinction as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, projecting to the world a vision of the nation that was thoughtful, capable, and principled. In diplomacy, as in every other sphere of his life, he was calm, measured, and anchored in values that commanded respect rather than demanded it.
In later years, when he was appointed Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), he accepted the task of overseeing a sensitive national intervention programme with characteristic transparency and discipline. Even within the complexities of public administration, he remained unwavering, principled in thought and deliberate in action.
What set Dr. Kolade apart throughout his life was the remarkable consistency of his values. Whether in government, media, business, or spiritual leadership, his message was unchanging: integrity is not negotiable; leadership is not performance but responsibility. He belonged to a generation that believed in the dignity of public service and the quiet power of personal example. His life was a masterclass in principled leadership, lived without fanfare but with extraordinary impact.
Beyond formal roles, Dr. Kolade devoted much of his later years to mentorship and moral leadership. He became a revered figure in Christian ministry and civic education, speaking frequently on ethics, good governance, and responsible leadership. Young Nigerians found in him not just a teacher, but a moral anchor, someone whose personal story made the case for doing what is right, even when it is not easy.
His passing leaves a deep void, not because he sought to dominate public life, but because he elevated it. In an age where values are often tested and compromised, Dr. Kolade remained steady. He lived his life like a lighthouse: not moving, not shouting, but shining.
As tributes pour in from across Nigeria and beyond, leaders, colleagues, protégés, and citizens are united in their reflections: Dr. Christopher Kolade lived with purpose and left with honour. His legacy is written not on plaques, but in the hearts of those he inspired, the institutions he strengthened, and the standards he upheld.
For now, a grateful nation bows its head in respect - not in despair, but in gratitude for the gift of a man whose life has been a moral compass for generations.
Dr. Kolade’s passing may close a chapter, but the values he stood for will continue to speak long after his voice has gone silent. Nigeria salutes a gentleman, a statesman, and a beacon of integrity.
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