President Bola Tinubu has described the death of Dr Christopher Kolade as a painful development.
The President, in his tribute via a statement on Thursday, said he received the news of Dr Kolade’s death with profound sadness.
As earlier reported by Naija News, Kolade, a veteran broadcaster, diplomat, and corporate leader, died at the age of 92.
His family, in a statement on Thursday, confirmed that the former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and ex-Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Reacting, President Tinubu described the late statesman as among the finest of men, praising him for living a life worthy of emulation.
Tinubu stated that Dr Kolade served Nigeria and humanity with all his strength and resources and prayed that God would grant him eternal rest.
“I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of the inimitable Dr Christopher Kolade, a broadcaster and boardroom guru who is one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures.
“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,” Tinubu said in a personally signed message.
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