Breaking: Elder Statesman Christopher Kolade is Dead
- Christopher Kolade, widely considered a doyen of the boardroom, broadcaster, and teacher, has died
- Kolade served as the director general of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation as well as Nigerian high commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK)
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mourned Kolade's demise, describing the late diplomat as the “finest of men”
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Erin-Oke, Osun state - A one-time Nigerian high commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), Christopher Kolade, is dead.
Channels Television reported that Kolade's family made the announcement on Thursday, October 9.
Source: Twitter
The Punch also noted Kolade's demise. He was 92.
Christopher Kolade's death
The statement said the former broadcaster died peacefully on Wednesday, October 8.
The family's statement partly reads:
“We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings."
Tinubu pays tribute to Kolade
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu said he received the news of Kolade's passing with "profound sadness".
Describing the late Kolade as "one of Nigeria's intellectual treasures", President Tinubu said the deceased was a principal figure in reputable institutions like the Lagos Business School.
A statement shared by Tinubu's media team reads:
"He (Kolade) was among the finest of men. He was exceptionally brilliant, statesmanly, diligent, and had unimpeachable integrity."
Tinubu added:
"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."
Source: Twitter
Christopher Kolade's profile
Born on December 28, 1932 in Erin-Oke, Osun state, Kolade had a distinguished career as a diplomat, academic, advocate for integrity and corporate governance, among other things.
He was the son of an Anglican missionary and completed his secondary-school education at Government College, Ibadan after which he studied at Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone. He holds honorary doctorate degrees of McPherson University (2016), University of Sierra Leone (1976) among others.
Late Kolade was married to Beatrice Egochukwu Ukogu, with whom he had two sons.
President Tinubu mourns Ayo Adebanjo
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu said he received the news of the death of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, with profound sorrow.
Adebanjo, a veteran politician and elder statesman, was widely regarded for his role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution and advocacy for good governance.
Tinubu stated that the country has lost a political leader "whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on our nation's history".
Source: Legit.ng
