A respected diplomat, Christopher Kolade, broadcaster and statesman, has died at the age of 92.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement, saying, “We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings.” They added that he passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8.
Born in 1932, Kolade once served as director general of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), contributing significantly to the nation’s broadcasting sector from 1960 to 1978.
He received his early education in Nigeria and later studied at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone.
Kolade served as Nigeria’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2002 to 2007.
In the corporate world, he was CEO and chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc and was known for his strong advocacy on corporate governance and social responsibility.
Before his diplomatic service, he lectured at Lagos Business School in corporate governance, leadership and human resource management from 1995 to 2002. After returning from the UK, he resumed teaching and research at the institution and was appointed pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council of the Pan-African University in February 2009.
He was a fellow of multiple professional bodies, including the Institute of Directors, the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, the Nigerian Institute of Management—where he served as president from 1985 to 1988—and the Institute of Personnel Management in Nigeria, where he was president from 1988 to 1994.
He received the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2000.
Until his passing, he served as the chancellor of McPherson University in Ogun State.