By Atoyebi Nike
Veteran broadcaster, corporate leader, and diplomat, Dr. Christopher Kolade, has died at the age of 92. His family confirmed that the respected elder statesman passed away peacefully in the early hours of Thursday.
Kolade was one of Nigeria’s most distinguished public figures, celebrated for his integrity, professionalism, and decades of dedicated service across broadcasting, business, education, and diplomacy.
Born in 1932 in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Kolade began his career in broadcasting and rose to become Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), where he set high standards of professionalism that shaped Nigeria’s media landscape.
He later served as Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, championing transparency, accountability, and good corporate governance in the private sector.
Kolade also represented Nigeria as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, where his diplomacy and principled leadership earned him respect across international circles.
In his later years, he focused on education and mentorship, teaching at the Lagos Business School and the School of Media & Communication, and serving as Pro-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University before becoming Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun State.
Dr. Kolade’s legacy as a broadcaster, business leader, diplomat, and educator remains deeply woven into Nigeria’s national story.
