Dr. Christopher Kolade, a highly respected Nigerian statesman and former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, has passed away at the age of 92. His family announced his death in a statement released on Thursday, noting that he died peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Kolade had a distinguished career that spanned diplomacy, academia, and corporate governance. He began his career in broadcasting, rising to become Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). Later, he transitioned to the corporate world, serving as Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where he was known for his ethical leadership.
Kolade also served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and lectured at the Lagos Business School and the School of Media & Communication at Pan-Atlantic University. He was deeply committed to promoting ethical standards in business and chaired several integrity-driven organizations.