What To know About The Late Christopher Kolade

Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished elder statesmen, Dr. Christopher Kolade, a man celebrated for his towering influence across the fields of media, diplomacy, corporate governance, and education. He passed away on October 8, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Kolade was the son of an Anglican missionary. He attended Government College, Ibadan, before proceeding to Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he laid the foundation for a lifetime of service and leadership.

Kolade began his professional journey in broadcasting and rose through the ranks to become the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). His tenure at the NBC was marked by reforms that shaped modern Nigerian broadcasting, earning him respect as a pioneer in the media industry.

After leaving broadcasting, Kolade transitioned into the corporate world, where he served as Chief Executive and later Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc. His leadership style rooted in integrity and discipline set a new standard for corporate governance in Nigeria’s business landscape.

His sterling record in leadership later took him into diplomacy. Kolade was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, where he represented the nation with distinction and further strengthened ties between both countries.

Upon his return, Kolade turned his attention to academia. He became a lecturer at the Lagos Business School and the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, where he taught courses on Corporate Governance, Leadership, Human Resource Management, and Conflict Resolution. He would later serve as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Pan-Atlantic University, as well as Chancellor of McPherson University in Ogun State.

In the public sector, he played a significant role when former President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) in 2012.

Kolade also held leadership positions in several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, the International Institute for Communications, and the World Association for Christian Communication.

A man deeply committed to ethics and good governance, Kolade chaired the Integrity Organisation Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE—two bodies dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in business practices across Nigeria.

Over the years, his contributions earned him numerous honorary doctorate degrees, including from the University of Sierra Leone in 1976 and McPherson University in 2016.
Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG