By Obinna Uballa
President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Dr Christopher Kolade, describing the respected broadcaster, diplomat, and corporate leader as one of Nigeria’s “intellectual treasures” and a man of “unimpeachable integrity.”
Dr Kolade, aged 92, passed away on Wednesday. In a statement issued from the State House on Thursday, Tinubu said he received the news of Kolade’s passing with “profound sadness,” noting that the deceased left “ineffaceable stamps of distinction in every endeavour.”
The President hailed Kolade’s long and illustrious career, spanning education, broadcasting, diplomacy, and corporate leadership, describing him as “a patriot and an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability in governance.”
“Dr Kolade 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,” Tinubu said.
He recalled Kolade’s contributions as Chief Executive and later Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, as well as his service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation.
The President also commended Kolade’s humanitarian work through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, noting his support for sickle cell patients and other social causes.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He described the late elder statesman as “a representation of the true Nigerian, selfless and resilient,” and prayed for his eternal rest.
“May God Almighty, whom he served so faithfully, grant him eternal rest,” the statement concluded.
Dr Kolade, widely regarded as a symbol of integrity in both public and private life, was also a former Pro-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University and Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).
