‘Advocate of transparency’: Tinubu mourns Christopher Kolade

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of the former Nigeria’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Christopher Kolade, describing the deceased as an “advocate of transparency”.

Kolade died at the age of 92 on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

Tinubu, in a statement on Thursday described Kolade, a broadcaster and boardroom guru, as one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures, adding that the former director-general of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) was “exceptionally brilliant, statesmanly, diligent, and had unimpeachable integrity”.

Tinubu said Kolade was not only a boardroom icon, “but he was also a patriot and an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability in governance.”

The president stated that the former chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc served Nigeria dutifully, with honesty and great dedication.

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He added: “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.”

The Star