It was with deep shock and a profound sense of loss that I received the news of the passing into glory of Dr. Christopher Kolade (GN) — a man of impeccable integrity, moral excellence, and national conscience. The message came from our esteemed Executive Director of the Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA), GN (Dr.) Kayode Elusoji, and since that moment, my heart has been heavy, yet full of gratitude for a life so well lived.
Dr. Kolade was not only a towering figure in Nigeria’s corporate, diplomatic, and academic life; he was also, to me personally, a mentor, an inspiration, and an embodiment of the values that define true greatness — integrity, humility, and service.
A Life Rooted in Character and Purpose
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, to a devout Anglican missionary father, Dr. Kolade’s life was grounded in faith, discipline, and moral conviction. He attended Government College, Ibadan, and later proceeded to Fourah Bay College, Freetown, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree.
From his early years, his calm intellect, humility, and unshakeable sense of right and wrong set him apart. Every stage of his journey reflected his unwavering belief that character must come before success and that leadership must be anchored in service.
The Broadcaster Who Gave Nigeria a Voice of Integrity
Dr. Kolade began his professional career as an Education Officer before joining the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), where he rose to become Director-General.
In those formative years of Nigeria’s independence, he set standards for truth, professionalism, and ethical journalism that remain benchmarks to this day. Alongside visionaries like Ambassador Segun Olusola, he helped lay the foundation for modern broadcasting in Nigeria.
He was known for his insistence that media must be the conscience of the nation — not a tool of manipulation. Those who worked with him described him not only as a boss but as a teacher, one who led with calm authority and deep wisdom.
The Corporate Luminary and Icon of Business Ethics
In 1978, Dr. Kolade transitioned from broadcasting to the corporate world, joining Cadbury Nigeria Plc as Administration Director. Through hard work, vision, and unflinching integrity, he became Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, and later Chairman, guiding Cadbury through one of its most successful eras.
His leadership was rooted in moral strength. He proved that profit and principle can coexist, and that ethical business practices are not a hindrance to success but its foundation.
He later chaired The Integrity Organisation and The Convention on Business Integrity, championing corporate accountability long before “corporate governance” became a buzzword in Nigeria.
My Personal Encounters with a Great Nigerian
I had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Kolade — one of the greatest, most incorruptible Nigerians I have ever met — on various professional and national engagements.
As a young manager with the Nigerian Tobacco Company/British American Tobacco Industries, I first met him in 1984 when I was co-opted into the Council of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), after my promotion to the senior management cadre.
Dr. Kolade, who served as the 7th President and Chairman of Council of NIM (1985–1988), became my mentor and moral compass. Under his leadership, we worked tirelessly on the completion of the NIM Management House on Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, an architectural masterpiece with its remarkable floating council chamber — a symbol of managerial excellence and integrity.
During a 1987 Council meeting, I raised issues regarding the Institute’s expenditure, suggesting cost control measures. While my remarks ruffled some feathers, Dr. Kolade listened attentively and later invited me to join the Financial Management Committee to further develop my ideas. That simple gesture of inclusion revealed the essence of his leadership — he listened, he empowered, and he acted justly.
Although I couldn’t take up the role due to my posting to Monrovia Tobacco Corporation in Liberia, the experience left an indelible mark on me. It showed me that leadership is not about power, but about humility, fairness, and the courage to do what is right.
An Exemplary Diplomat and National Ambassador
After my retirement from NTC/BAT, I relocated to London with my family, and our paths crossed again when Dr. Kolade was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2002–2007).
His transformation of the Nigerian High Commission in London was nothing short of revolutionary. He redefined diplomatic service — drastically reducing passport renewal times, improving public service efficiency, and restoring pride and respect to Nigerians in the UK.
I was privileged to lead a delegation of the NIM leadership, including Alhaji Mohammed Abubakarand Mrs. Patience Anabor, during the formation of the Nigerian Institute of Management (UK Chapter). Once again, Dr. Kolade extended his gracious support. His moral and administrative guidance were instrumental in ensuring our success.
To all Nigerians in the diaspora, he became a beacon of hope — approachable, trustworthy, and relentlessly committed to national image-building.
A Mentor, Teacher, and Living Example of Virtue
Dr. Kolade continued to influence countless lives even after leaving public office. At the Lagos Business School, where he taught Corporate Governance and Leadership, his classes began not with discussions about profit, but about principles.
He often said: “An organization that builds competence without character builds failure into its future.”
He later served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Pan-Atlantic University and Chancellor of McPherson University, where his influence nurtured a new generation of ethical leaders.
His mentorship transcended boundaries — he was as comfortable guiding corporate executives as he was inspiring young students or comforting parishioners as a devout Anglican.
Faith, Family, and Humility
Dr. Kolade’s faith in God was the foundation of his life. As a devout Anglican, he received the Order of St. Augustine Medal from the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1981 and was later installed as Lay Canon Emeritus at Guildford Cathedral in the United Kingdom.
He was a dedicated organist and choir director at St. Peter’s Church, Faji, Lagos, and lived a life of simplicity and grace. Together with his beloved wife, Mrs. Beatrice Egochukwu Kolade, he raised two sons in an atmosphere of faith, learning, and love.
Despite his many titles, he remained accessible, humble, and kind. He treated everyone — from the lowest to the highest — with equal respect and warmth.
A Legacy that Defines a Generation
Dr. Christopher Kolade (GN) was not just a man; he was an institution — a living sermon on ethics, integrity, and service.
He represented everything the Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA) stands for: Integrity. Service. Excellence.
He believed that leadership without integrity is deception, and that a nation’s greatness begins with the moral strength of its citizens. His life is a message to all of us: that true greatness is not measured by wealth or power, but by purpose, principle, and impact.
Final Reflections
As Chairperson of the GNA Global Advisory Council, and on behalf of all Great Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, I salute a man who lived his life in honor and left behind a legacy that will continue to light the path for generations to come.
Dr. Kolade was a bridge between generations, a voice of conscience in times of confusion, and a shining example of what every Great Nigerian should aspire to be.
His departure leaves a void that words cannot fill, but his example remains a compass pointing us back to righteousness, truth, and service.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
May his legacy endure forever.
Adieu, our Great Nigerian — Dr. Christopher Kolade.
GN (Prince) Johnson Olufunsho Adetayo, FNIM, FIPlantE, FSOE, CMIMgt
Chairperson, GNA Global Advisory Council (GAC)
Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA)
