President Tinubu mourns Christopher Kolade, describes him as intellectual treasure

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of veteran broadcaster, diplomat, and corporate leader Dr. Christopher Kolade, describing him as “one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures” whose integrity and lifelong service to the nation will remain a lasting legacy.

In a statement personally signed by the President on Thursday, he said he received the news of Dr. Kolade’s passing with “profound sadness,” noting that the late statesman’s contributions to Nigeria spanned education, diplomacy, corporate governance, and humanitarian service.

“Dr. Kolade, 92, was a custodian of our enterprise history, especially in the areas of corporate governance and human resource management. He was a principal figure in reputable institutions like the Lagos Business School,” the President said.

President Tinubu praised Dr. Kolade’s brilliance, diligence, and moral uprightness, describing him as “among the finest of men — exceptionally brilliant, statesmanlike, and of unimpeachable integrity.”

He recalled that Dr. Kolade served with distinction as Chief Executive and later Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, as well as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).

“From his days as a colonial-era education officer to his service in government and the private sector, Dr. Kolade embodied honesty, dedication, and excellence. He was a patriot and an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability in governance,” Tinubu said.

The President also commended Dr. Kolade’s philanthropic work through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, especially his support for sickle cell patients, to whom he donated a significant portion of his personal earnings.

“Dr. Kolade’s passing is painful, but his life is one to celebrate. He lived an exemplary life and immortalised himself through uncommon service to our nation and humanity,” the President added, describing him as “a true Nigerian — selfless, resilient, and principled.”