.He was exceptionally brilliant, statesmanly, diligent –President
IBRAHIM QUADRI
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of an elder statesman, Dr Christopher Kolade, saying ‘one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures gone.’
Dr. Kolade, a former broadcaster, boardroom leader and ambassador died on Thursday morning, at the age of 92.
The President’s tribute was contained in a statement he personally signed, adding that the doyen boardroom was an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability.
Tinubu wrote: “I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of the inimitable Dr Christopher Kolade, a broadcaster and boardroom guru who is one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures.Nigerian Independence merchandise
“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. Nigerian Independence merchandise
Tinubu noted that the elder statesman 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.Nigerian Independence merchandise
“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.”
Also, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of Dr Kolade as a monumental loss to Nigeria.
The Governorr noted that Kolade’s lived an incredible life of faith and service to humanity.
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.
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.”
Similarly, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described the passing of a former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade as a collosal loss, saying that Nigeria has lost one of its best.
In a statement by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the Governor, Adeleke expressed his deep pain on the death of the one-time Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, whose life, he said was marked by excellence and untainted integrity, recounting how his selflessness in the service of the nation has shaped institutions for the better and guide generations.
The Governor commiserated with the family of the nonagenarian and the people of Erin-Oke who have lost an illustrious son, noting that his demise has created a vacuum that will be hard to fill.
“The news of the death of Dr. Christopher Kolade came as a rude shock to me. This is because he passed away at a time that his vast and valuable experience, wisdom and guidance were much needed in navigating challenges confronting governance in Osun state and beyond,” Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying in a condolences message.
“Throughout his life, Dr. Kolade made integrity his watchword in all his dealings and his commitment to excellence attracted people from far and near. As a public officer, he never used public office for personal benefits, and as a businessman, he championed integrity through his chairmanship of organisations such as Integrity Organisation Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE.
“As much as his passing represents a huge loss, I ask that everyone touched by this incident be consoled by the life of services and contributions that defined Dr. Kolade’s time on Earth and to also work to preserve his good legacy so as to keep him in the minds of the people forever.”
Governor Adeleke prays to God Almighty to repose his soul and grant his family, associates and everyone touched by his passing the fortitude to bear the pain, adding that “it is my sincere hope that his good works will not die with him.”
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