Nigeria Mourns Former High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Christopher Kolade, Dead at 93

Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished statesmen, Dr. Christopher Kolade, a revered teacher, broadcaster, diplomat, cleric, orator and corporate leader, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday at the age of 93.

Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr. Kolade was the son of an Anglican missionary and a shining example of integrity, intellect and service. A family source confirmed his death, describing him as a man who lived “a life of impact, discipline and unwavering faith.”

Kolade attended Government College, Ibadan, for his secondary education and later proceeded to Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he obtained his tertiary education.

A man of many firsts, Dr. Kolade began his career as a colonial-era education officer before moving into broadcasting, where he served as Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. He later transitioned into the corporate world, becoming Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where he earned a reputation for transparency and ethical leadership.

In public service, Kolade represented Nigeria as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, strengthening diplomatic ties and projecting the nation’s image with distinction.

Beyond diplomacy, he devoted his later years to academia, teaching Corporate Governance and Human Resource Management at the Lagos Business School (LBS) and Leadership and Conflict Management at the School of Media and Communication (SMC), both under Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.

Dr. Kolade also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Pan-Atlantic University, and was Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun State. His leadership, mentorship and moral example left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s educational, corporate and ethical landscape.