President Tinubu, Anyaoku, and Nigerians pay tribute to a man celebrated for his moral clarity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical leadership.
Nigeria is mourning one of its finest patriots and moral beacons as Dr. Christopher Kolade, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, veteran broadcaster, and distinguished corporate leader, fondly known as Mr. Integrity, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 92.
Born in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr. Kolade’s illustrious career spanned education, media, corporate governance, and diplomacy. From serving as Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) to leading Cadbury Nigeria Plc and later representing Nigeria as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, he consistently promoted professionalism, transparency, and moral leadership.
A passionate educator, he lectured at the Lagos Business School and Pan-Atlantic University, mentoring generations of young professionals. His work with the Convention on Business Integrity further cemented his legacy as a tireless advocate for accountability in both public and private life.
Following his passing, tributes poured in from leaders and citizens alike.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described him as “one of Nigeria’s finest minds, an intellectual treasure whose moral clarity stood above politics,” and a statesman who combined brilliance, humility, and compassion, particularly through his foundation’s humanitarian work with sickle cell patients.
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, hailed him as “a moral compass and a true gentleman who lived for what was right.”
To those who knew him, Dr. Kolade was not just a public figure, he was an idea: the idea that character is the most enduring credential a person can possess. He believed leadership was not about titles, but about service; and that national progress must begin with personal discipline.
As the nation bids farewell, Dr. Kolade is remembered as a man who lived by the values he preached, a true Nigerian whose legacy of integrity, humility, and service will inspire generations to come.
