Nigeria has lost one of its most respected elder statesmen, diplomats, and thought leaders, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 93.
His family confirmed the news in a statement expressing gratitude for his life of service, faith, and 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 embodied excellence, humility, and an unwavering commitment to public good.
The son of an Anglican missionary, he received his early education at Government College, Ibadan, before proceeding to Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he studied the humanities.
Dr. Kolade’s illustrious career spanned broadcasting, corporate leadership, diplomacy, academia, and public service.
He began as a broadcaster and rose to become Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), where he helped shape the country’s early broadcasting standards.
Transitioning to the corporate world, he served as Chief Executive and later Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, guiding the company through a period of growth and modernization.
In the late 1990s, Dr. Kolade was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a role in which he represented the nation with dignity and distinction.
Upon his return, he continued to contribute to national development through teaching and mentoring. At the Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos, he taught Corporate Governance and Human Resource Management at the Lagos Business School, and Leadership and Conflict Management at the School of Media and Communication. He also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, helping to shape the university’s academic and ethical standards.
Beyond academia, Dr. Kolade’s influence extended across several professional and faith-based organizations. He chaired the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, the International Institute for Communications, and the World Association for Christian Communication.