Veteran broadcaster, corporate leader, and diplomat Christopher Kolade has died at the age of 93. His family confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the former Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, to an Anglican missionary father, Kolade grew up with strong values of faith, discipline, and education. He attended Government College, Ibadan, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fourah Bay College, Freetown, one of West Africa’s most esteemed universities.
Broadcasting Pioneer
Kolade began his career in the 1950s as an Education Officer in the Western Region but moved into broadcasting after Nigeria’s independence in 1960. At the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (now the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria), he rose to Director-General. Colleagues recall his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to ethical journalism, qualities that helped shape modern television and radio in Nigeria alongside the late Segun Olusola.
Corporate Leadership
In 1978, Kolade joined Cadbury Nigeria Plc as Administration Director, later becoming Managing Director, Chief Executive, and Chairman. He guided the company through what many describe as its “golden era” and championed ethical business practices. He also chaired the Integrity Organisation and The Convention on Business Integrity, promoting corporate governance long before it became common in Nigeria.
Mentor and Educator
Even after leaving corporate life, Kolade influenced generations as a teacher at Lagos Business School, focusing on values alongside leadership and management. He later served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Pan-Atlantic University and as Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun State.
Diplomat and Devout Anglican
From 2002 to 2007, Kolade served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, earning admiration for his humility and diplomacy. A committed Anglican, he received the Order of St Augustine Medal from the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1981 and was installed as Lay Canon Emeritus at Guildford Cathedral. He also served as organist and choir director at St Peter’s Church, Faji, Lagos, reflecting his lifelong dedication to faith and service.
Honours and Humility
Kolade’s distinguished achievements included Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Past President of both the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Institute of Personnel Management, and recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Niger. Despite these accolades, he remained remarkably humble throughout his life.
Family Life
He was married to Beatrice Egochukwu Ukogu, with whom he had two sons. Those close to him remember him as a devoted husband and father who balanced public service with warmth and simplicity at home.
Enduring Legacy
Christopher Kolade leaves behind a legacy as a principled business leader, a mentor who instilled moral clarity in academia, and a diplomat who represented Nigeria with dignity, touching countless lives through his service and example.