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Veteran broadcaster, corporate leader, and diplomat Christopher Kolade has passed away at the age of 93. His family confirmed his death in a statement on Thursday, revealing that the former Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc died peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, to an Anglican missionary father, Kolade’s early life was shaped by faith, discipline, and education. He attended Government College, Ibadan, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fourah Bay College, Freetown, one of West Africa’s most prestigious universities.
1 Broadcasting Pioneer
Kolade began his career in the 1950s as an Education Officer in the Western Region but transitioned to broadcasting after Nigeria’s independence in 1960. At the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (now the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria), he rose to Director-General. Colleagues recall his professionalism, integrity, and dedication to ethical journalism, which helped establish the foundation of modern television and radio in Nigeria alongside the late Segun Olusola.
2 Corporate Leadership
In 1978, Kolade joined Cadbury Nigeria Plc as Administration Director, eventually becoming Managing Director, Chief Executive, and Chairman. He led the company through what many regard as its “golden era” and was widely respected for championing ethical business practices. He also chaired the Integrity Organisation and The Convention on Business Integrity, long before corporate governance became a common concept in Nigeria.
3 Mentor and Educator
Even after retiring from corporate life, Kolade influenced generations as a teacher at Lagos Business School, where he emphasised values alongside leadership and management. He later served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Pan-Atlantic University and as Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun State.
4 Diplomat and Faithful Anglican
From 2002 to 2007, Kolade served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, earning admiration for his humility and diplomacy. A devout Anglican, he received the Order of St Augustine Medal from the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1981 and was installed as Lay Canon Emeritus at Guildford Cathedral. He also served as organist and choir director at St Peter’s Church, Faji, Lagos, reflecting his lifelong devotion to faith and service.
5 Accolades and Humility
Kolade’s distinguished résumé included Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Past President of both the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Institute of Personnel Management, and recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Niger, yet he remained remarkably humble throughout his life.
6 Family Life
He was married to Beatrice Egochukwu Ukogu, with whom he had two sons. Friends and family remember him as a devoted husband and father, balancing public duty with warmth and simplicity at home.
7 Enduring Legacy
Christopher Kolade will be remembered as a principled leader in business, a moral mentor in academia, and a dignified diplomat who carried Nigeria’s name with honour, leaving a lasting impact across all areas of his life.
