On Monday, dignitaries paid heartfelt tributes to the late veteran broadcaster and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, during a service of songs held in his memory.
The esteemed elder statesman, who was 92 years old, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. His family confirmed his death in a statement released on Thursday, indicating that he died peacefully.
“We are grateful for his remarkable life of faith and service and appreciate God’s abundant blessings,” the family expressed.
The service of songs, which was part of the rites of passage for the late diplomat, took place at the Wole Soyinka Centre (formerly known as the National Arts Theatre) and drew a diverse gathering of family members, friends, associates, as well as current and former public officials.
Among the 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; former Minister of Science and Technology, Olorunibe Mamora; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, among others.
The dignitaries praised Kolade’s qualities, characterizing him as a man of integrity, discipline, and exceptional humility.
In a tribute delivered on behalf of the President, Gbajabiamila remarked that Kolade dedicated his life to God and the service of humanity.
“Few individuals navigate the realm of public service with the skill, confidence, and diligence that Dr. Christopher Kolade exhibited throughout his life,” Tinubu stated. “He served his nation with distinction, leaving a legacy of excellence for others to follow.
“Through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, he broadened his service to humanity by assisting the sick, the afflicted, and the marginalized. His efforts in supporting individuals living with sickle cell disease stand out as one of the most significant accomplishments of his life.
We do not grieve for Dr. Kolade, as we recognize that he dedicated his life to God and to others. Our sorrow stems from the understanding that the nation has lost a gifted, passionate, and altruistic individual. Dr. Kolade has now become a part of history.
Former President Obasanjo characterized the deceased diplomat as someone who never pursued personal benefits and had to be convinced to accept the role of High Commissioner to the United Kingdom during his tenure.
“Chris and I have shared a long journey. I do not have many friends, but those I do are extremely precious to me—and Chris was among them,” Obasanjo remarked. “I had to implore and persuade him to take on the role of High Commissioner in London.
“The rationale was straightforward: the UK is home to the largest population of Nigerians in the diaspora, and I required someone I could trust to manage that responsibility effectively. Chris was the only person who came to mind. After considerable persuasion, he consented—and he performed outstandingly.
Obasanjo also disclosed that Kolade was instrumental in Nigeria’s successful debt relief initiative during his presidency.
“I am honored to participate in this farewell to a man who led a life filled with purpose and service—not only to Nigeria but to humanity at large,” Mamora stated. “I had the honor of collaborating closely with him while I served as the company doctor at Cadbury Nigeria from 1988 to 1992. One of his most remarkable qualities was his renowned humility.
Additionally, former presidential candidate Peter Obi paid tribute to Kolade, referring to him as “one of the finest examples of humanity.”
“He embodied the best of humanity in terms of integrity, character, and service,” Obi expressed. “He possessed all the admirable qualities one could hope for in a person.
In delivering the sermon, the Archbishop of Ife Diocese, Most Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade, described Kolade as “a good man” who lived a righteous life.
“He was not a flawless individual but a good one, and that is why God bestowed upon him the grace to reach the age of 93—to pass away and conclude his life as a righteous man,” he remarked.
The late Kolade enjoyed a remarkable career as a broadcaster, diplomat, academic, and proponent of integrity and corporate governance.
He was born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, as the son of an Anglican missionary.
He completed his education at Government College, Ibadan, and subsequently pursued his studies at Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he achieved his higher education.
