Tunde Bakare
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness on the death of Dr Christopher Kolade.
The President said he received with profound sadness the news of the passing of the inimitable Kolade, a broadcaster and boardroom guru who is one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures.
Dr Kolade, 92, was a custodian of our enterprise history, especially concerning corporate governance and human resources management. He was a principal figure in reputable institutions like the Lagos Business School.
He was among the finest of men. He was exceptionally brilliant, statesmanly, diligent, and had unimpeachable integrity.
Dr Kolade was not only a boardroom icon, serving as one-time chief executive and chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, but he was also a patriot and an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability in governance.
He served Nigeria dutifully, with honesty and great dedication. From working as a colonial-era education officer to serving as Nigeria’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom and director-general of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, Dr Kolade left ineffaceable stamps of distinction in every endeavour, whether in the boardroom, on panels, or public office.
I recall his many humanitarian interventions through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, especially his support for sickle cell patients, a cause to which he donated a chunk of his earnings.
Dr Kolade’s passing is agonising, yet we must celebrate his life and legacy. He lived an exemplary life and immortalised himself in his uncommon service to our nation and humanity.
He will remain an inspiration for us and for many generations. He was a representation of the true Nigerian, selfless and resilient. May God Almighty, whom he served so faithfully, grant him eternal rest.
Similarly, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of elder statesman and doyen of the boardroom, Dr Christopher Kolade as a monumental loss to Nigeria.
Dr. Kolade, a former broadcaster, boardroom leader and ambassador died on Thursday morning, at the age of 92.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, further described the passage of the respected diplomat, teacher and veteran broadcaster as the end of an era.
He said the death of Dr Kolade, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated boardroom gurus and advocates for integrity and corporate governance, was a colossal loss to the country and an irreplaceable loss to his family, friends and associates.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said Dr. Kolade’s record of service as a celebrated teacher and broadcaster, seasoned technocrat and administrator, Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, would remain indelible for generations to come.
He said: “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, we celebrate the departure of a legend and celebrated doyen of the boardroom and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who made a positive impact during his lifetime.
“The legacy of Dr Christopher Kolade cannot be forgotten because of the remarkable impact he made during his lifetime and his extraordinary life of service to humanity, his community, the private and public sectors, locally and internationally.
“We thank God for Dr Kolade’s incredible life of faith and service to humanity and our dear country. He served passionately with integrity and honour. He was indeed a blessing to his generation, and the best memory for him is for those he left behind to uphold his good virtues.
“I commiserate with his family members, friends and associates over the death of the elder statesman. I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Dr Christopher Kolade and that God grants the deceased’s family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”