Renowned Nigerian broadcaster and diplomat Dr Christopher Kolade has died at the age of 93.
He died peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, according to a statement by his family.
Here are some key facts about the elder stateman:
1. Early Life and Background (1932–1950s)
Dr. Christopher Olusola Kolade, CON, was born on 28 December 1932 in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Nigeria, into a devout Anglican missionary family. His upbringing in a Christian environment deeply influenced his moral convictions and lifelong commitment to ethical leadership and service to humanity.
2. Education and Formative Years (1940s–1950s)
He attended Government College, Ibadan, and later Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone, one of West Africa’s foremost universities. These institutions shaped his intellectual development and leadership values, laying the foundation for a career marked by discipline, excellence, and integrity.
3. Broadcasting and Public Communication (1960–1978)
Dr. Kolade began his professional career in broadcasting, rising through the ranks to become Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) between 1972 and 1977. His leadership helped modernise Nigerian broadcasting and promote professionalism in public communication.
4. Corporate Leadership and Diplomacy (1978–2007)
In 1978, he joined Cadbury Nigeria Plc, becoming Chief Executive in 1984 and Chairman in 1993. He retired from the board in 2002 after more than two decades of corporate leadership. That same year, he was appointed Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2002–2007), representing Nigeria with honour and distinction.
5. Academic and Institutional Service (1995–2025)
A passionate educator, Dr. Kolade began teaching Corporate Governance and Human Resources Management at the Lagos Business School (LBS) and Leadership & Conflict Management at the School of Media and Communication (SMC) around 1995. He served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Pan-Atlantic University (2009–2015), and later became Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun State.
Lecturer at Lagos Business School (LBS) from 1995 to 2002; also taught at School of Media & Communication (SMC), Pan-Atlantic University.
6. Leadership Roles and National Honours (1973–2012)
Dr. Kolade’s leadership extended across several professional and faith-based organisations. He was: President of the International Institute for Communications (1973–1975), President of the World Association for Christian Communication (1975–1982), President of the Nigerian Institute of Management (1985–1988), President of the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (1988–1993). He was awarded the Order of St. Augustine Medal (1981) and the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2000. In 2012, he was appointed Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) by President Goodluck Jonathan and resigned in 2013.
7. Legacy of Integrity and the CKCRLE (2010–2025)
Dr. Kolade was a lifelong advocate of integrity and good governance, serving as Chairman of Integrity Organisation Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE.
His legacy of ethical leadership inspired the creation of the Christopher Kolade Centre for Research in Leadership and Ethics (CKCRLE) at Pan-Atlantic University, which continues his mission of promoting ethical leadership, accountability, and moral excellence in Africa.
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