Tributes Pour in for Dr. Christopher Kolade as Dignitaries Honour His Legacy of Service and Integrity

Tributes Pour in for Dr. Christopher Kolade as Dignitaries Honour His Legacy of Service and Integrity

Dignitaries on Monday paid heartfelt tributes to the late Dr. Christopher Kolade, a renowned veteran broadcaster and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, during a service of songs held in his honour.

The elder statesman, aged 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. His family announced his demise the following day, expressing gratitude for his remarkable life of faith and service, and for the blessings bestowed upon him.

The service, which marked a significant rite of passage for the late diplomat, took place at the Wole Soyinka Centre (formerly the National Arts Theatre). It drew a diverse crowd, including family members, friends, colleagues, and current and former public officials.

Among the prominent attendees were President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; ex-Minister of Science and Technology, Olorunnibe Mamora; ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, among others.

The dignitaries lauded Kolade’s virtues, describing him as a man of integrity, discipline, and humility.

In a tribute on behalf of President Tinubu, Gbajabiamila praised Kolade’s dedication to God and humanity. “Few individuals have navigated the landscape of public service with the skill, confidence, and diligence that Dr. Christopher Kolade exhibited throughout his life,” he stated. “He served his country with distinction, leaving a legacy of excellence for future generations.”

Tinubu also highlighted Kolade’s philanthropic efforts through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, emphasizing his work in supporting the sick, the afflicted, and the vulnerable. “His support for persons living with sickle cell disease stands as one of his greatest achievements,” he added. “We do not mourn him because he lived for God and others. Our grief stems from the loss of a talented, passionate, and selfless individual. Dr. Kolade now belongs to the ages.”

Former President Obasanjo described Kolade as a man who sought no personal gain and was persuaded to accept the role of High Commissioner to the UK during his administration. “Chris and I shared a long journey. I don’t have many friends, but those I do cherish, and Chris was one of them,” Obasanjo recalled. “I had to persuade him to accept the London appointment because the UK hosts the largest Nigerian diaspora, and I needed someone trustworthy. He accepted and delivered beyond expectations.”

Obasanjo also credited Kolade’s crucial role in Nigeria’s successful debt relief campaign during his presidency.

Speaking with Journalists on the sidelines of the event, Mamora remembered Kolade as a man of honour and integrity. “I am honored to bid farewell to a man who lived purposefully and served Nigeria and humanity,” Mamora said. “I had the privilege of working closely with him as the company doctor at Cadbury Nigeria from 1988 to 1992. His humility was truly remarkable.”

Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, paid tribute by calling Kolade “one of the best of humanity.” “He embodied integrity, character, and service—qualities we should all aspire to,” Obi stated.

The Archbishop of Ife Diocese, Most Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade, delivered a sermon describing Kolade as “a good man” who lived righteously. “He was not perfect, but he was good, and God granted him the grace to live to 93—to die as a righteous man,” he said.

The late Kolade had a distinguished career spanning broadcasting, diplomacy, academia, and advocacy for integrity and corporate governance. Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, he was the son of an Anglican missionary. His educational journey included attendance at Government College, Ibadan, and later at Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he earned his higher education qualifications.