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Anthony Ufoh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his sadness over the passing of the late Chris Kolade, a renowned boardroom guru.
Kolade was the former chairman of Cadbury, and he took the company to enviable heights in the history of corporate organisations in Nigeria.
According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X account (formerly Twitter), he posted that Kolade was a custodian of the nation’s history in the business sector.
He wrote,”Dr Kolade, 92, was a custodian of our enterprise history, especially concerning corporate governance and human resources management. He was a principal figure in reputable institutions like the Lagos Business School.
“He was among the finest of men. He was exceptionally brilliant, statesmanly, diligent, and had unimpeachable integrity.
“Dr Kolade was not only a boardroom icon, serving as one-time chief executive and chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, but he was also a patriot and an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability in governance.
“He served Nigeria dutifully, with honesty and great dedication. From working as a colonial-era education officer to serving as Nigeria’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom and director-general of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, Dr Kolade left ineffaceable stamps of distinction in every endeavour, whether in the boardroom, on panels, or public office.
“I recall his many humanitarian interventions through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, especially his support for sickle cell patients, a cause to which he donated a chunk of his earnings.
“Dr Kolade’s passing is agonising, yet we must celebrate his life and legacy. He lived an exemplary life and immortalised himself in his uncommon service to our nation and humanity.
“He will remain an inspiration for us and for many generations. He was a representation of the true Nigerian, selfless and resilient. May God Almighty, whom he served so faithfully, grant him eternal rest,” he stated.
Dr Kolade died at the age of 92.
