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Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo were among the dignitaries who gathered on Monday night to celebrate the life and legacy of the late diplomat and broadcaster, Ambassador (Dr) Christopher Kolade. The service of songs and night of tributes, held at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, drew eminent personalities from wide and near who paid glowing tributes to the former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Dr Kolade, a respected statesman, administrator, and corporate leader, passed away on October 8, 2025, at the age of 92. President Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, described the late envoy as a great Nigerian who served the nation with dexterity, confidence, and integrity. He said Kolade’s leadership, whether in the public or private sector, embodied excellence and commitment to service. “As the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Kolade served with distinction, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and integrity,” Tinubu said. He also highlighted Kolade’s philanthropy, noting his foundation for the support of people living with sickle cell disorder as one of his remarkable contributions to humanity. The President prayed for strength and comfort for the Kolade family, saying the nation would forever remember the late diplomat’s exemplary service. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who described Kolade as a very good friend, shared fond memories of their long friendship and professional encounters. “Chris and I were friends for a very long time,” Obasanjo recalled. “He never sought positions or recognition. In fact, I had to beg him to accept the appointment as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK. After much persuasion, he agreed.” Obasanjo recounted the last days of the deceased, Obasanjo said, “I got a call from Madam to the home. When I got there. I went there with no escort- no police. They made pap for him which he wasn’t eating but when I got in, he started eating. “And I asked him, Chris, why are you frightening us? And he responded, if I didn’t frighten you, would you be here? I said Chris you didn’t need to frighten us, you just need to call me and I would be here. And four days later, he gave up the ghost.” Former Nigeria’s Finance Minister and Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala described late Christopher Kolade as a man of faith and integrity. She said, “He was a discipline man. He was a man of faith and Integrity. His leadership in both sectors is both admirer and worthy of emulation. He had courage of conviction. He was supported by his wonderful wife. He is resting peaceful in the Lord. I give all glory to God for his life.” Group Vice President, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Africa, Emeka Oparah, described late Kolade as one of Africa’s finest sons. He said, “What more can be said about Dr. Christopher Olusola Kolade that hasn’t already been said? His exceptional life of discipline, dignity, modesty, respect, service, selflessness, achievements and integrity has long made him a towering figure—a legend seemingly awaiting canonization. “I’ve personally written many tributes celebrating him over the years and recommending his peculiar lifestyle to all. “So, when the news broke on October 10th that the inimitable, inspirational iroko had fallen—that Dr. Kolade had embarked on his final journey from this sublunary abode to his rightful place in paradise—I was extremely sad yet unrestrained in my gratitude to the Great Architect of the Universe for a lifetime well-spent.” Earlier, in his sermon, Bishop Yinka Akinlade of the Diocese of Ife described the late diplomat as “not a perfect man, but a good man.” “Today’s sermon is not about the dead but for us, the living,” he told the congregation, urging self-reflection and spiritual renewal. The bishop challenged attendees to examine what governs their lives. “What are you allowing to take control of you? Is it the Spirit of God, or is it self and the world?” he asked. He emphasised the need to let the Holy Spirit guide one’s life, saying, “When you allow the Spirit of God to heal you, even if you die physically, you live on in the spirit. Jesus said, the one who believes in me that’s the Christian even when this flesh dies, he lives on.” According to Bishop Akinlade, surrendering one’s life to Jesus Christ means handing over the control of one’s soul to the Holy Spirit. “You become what we call, in modern terms, a born-again Christian. So, brothers and sisters, don’t be deceived after death comes judgment,” he cautioned. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
