Nigeria has lost one of its most revered statesmen, broadcaster, and diplomat, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 92.
The family confirmed his death in a statement on Thursday, describing him as a man who lived “an incredible life of faith and service.”
“We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings,” the family said.
Born in 1932 in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr. Kolade was the son of an Anglican missionary. He attended Government College, Ibadan, before proceeding to Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he earned his higher education.
A pioneer in Nigerian broadcasting, Dr. Kolade rose to prominence as the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, where he was celebrated for his professionalism and ethical leadership.
He later transitioned into the corporate world, becoming the Chief Executive and later Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where he was widely respected for driving corporate governance reforms and upholding integrity in business practices.
Dr. Kolade also served Nigeria with distinction as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, further cementing his reputation as a model of diplomacy, discipline, and public service.
Throughout his long career, he remained a strong advocate for transparency, ethics, and youth development values that defined his legacy in both public and private sectors.
As tributes continue to pour in from across Nigeria and abroad, Dr. Kolade is being remembered not just as a diplomat or business leader, but as a moral compass in a nation often in search of integrity.
