Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished elder statesmen, Dr Christopher Kolade, veteran broadcaster, diplomat, academic, and moral compass of the corporate world, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 92.
In a statement released by his family on Thursday, October 9, 2025, the Kolades described his passing with gratitude for “an incredible life of faith and service,” thanking God for His abundant blessings upon their patriarch.
Dr Kolade’s life was a rare blend of intellect, integrity, and leadership that spanned more than six decades across broadcasting, diplomacy, business, and academia.
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, to an Anglican missionary father, he was educated at the prestigious Government College, Ibadan, and later at Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
He began his remarkable career in the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, where his brilliance and discipline saw him rise to become its Director General. In the corporate world.
Kolade became synonymous with ethical business leadership as Chief Executive and later Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where he was credited with transformative reforms and unwavering moral principles that redefined corporate governance in the country.
His sense of duty extended to national service when he represented Nigeria as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, leaving behind an enduring reputation for diplomacy, grace, and professionalism.
A lifelong advocate of character and integrity, Dr Kolade devoted his later years to mentoring future leaders.
He taught Corporate Governance and Human Resource Management at Lagos Business School and Leadership and Conflict Management at the School of Media and Communication, both under Pan-Atlantic University.
He also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, and later as Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun State.
Kolade’s name became synonymous with ethical leadership, having chaired several integrity-driven organisations, including Integrity Organisation Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE, both dedicated to promoting transparency in Nigeria’s corporate space.
Widely respected as “Mr Integrity,” Dr Christopher Kolade leaves behind not just a family and a nation in mourning, but a towering legacy of faith, honesty, and service, values he upheld until his final breath.
