Tinubu, Obasanjo, Okonjo-Iweala pays respect to the late diplomat Christopher Kolade

‎Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, paid tribute to the late broadcaster, diplomat, and corporate leader Dr. Christopher Kolade during a Service of Songs and Night of Tributes held on Monday in Lagos. Dr. Kolade recently passed away at the age of 92.
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‎Dr. Christopher Kolade was a renowned figure in Nigerian public life, corporate governance, and diplomacy. Born in 1932, his career spanned multiple sectors. He was the former Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) from 1960 to 1978. He served as CEO and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc and was known for championing corporate governance. He was also persuaded by former President Obasanjo to serve as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
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President Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, praised Kolade for a life dedicated to service, noting he served his country with distinction, leaving behind a legacy of excellence for others to emulate.
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Former President Obasanjo revealed that Kolade played a key role in Nigeria’s successful debt relief campaign and that he had to be persuaded to take the diplomatic role, showing his lack of personal ambition.
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Okonjo-Iweala who delivered her tribute virtually, recalled his role in the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P). She described him as “a shining example of how to serve fellow women and men”.
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The funeral service for Dr. Kolade is scheduled for Tuesday at St. Peter’s Church in Lagos.