Dignitaries on Monday paid glowing tributes to the late veteran broadcaster and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, during a service of songs held in his honour.
The elder statesman, aged 92, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. His family announced his death in a statement on Thursday, noting that he died peacefully.
“We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings,” the family stated.
The service of songs, which formed part of the rites of passage for the late diplomat, was held at the Wole Soyinka Centre (formerly the National Arts Theatre) and attracted a cross-section of family members, friends, associates, and serving and former public officials.
Among those present were President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Minister of Science and Technology, Olorunibe Mamora; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, among others.
The dignitaries extolled Kolade’s virtues, describing him as a man of integrity, discipline, and uncommon humility.
In a tribute delivered on behalf of the President, Gbajabiamila said Kolade lived a life dedicated to God and humanity.
“Few people bestride the arena of public service with the dexterity, confidence, and diligence that Dr. Christopher Kolade possessed throughout his life,” Tinubu said. “He served his country with distinction, leaving behind a legacy of excellence for others to emulate.
“Through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, he extended his service to humanity by helping the sick, the afflicted, and the downtrodden. His work in supporting persons living with sickle cell remains one of the most significant achievements of his life.
“We do not mourn Dr. Kolade because we know he lived for God and for others. Our grief comes from the knowledge that the nation has lost a talented, passionate, and selfless individual. Dr. Kolade now belongs to the ages.”
Former President Obasanjo described the late diplomat as a man who never sought personal gains and had to be persuaded to accept the position of High Commissioner to the United Kingdom during his administration.
“Chris and I have come a long way. I don’t have too many friends, but the ones I have are very dear to me—and Chris was one of them,” Obasanjo said. “I had to beg and persuade him to accept the position of High Commissioner in London.
“The reason was simple: the UK hosts the largest number of Nigerians in the diaspora, and I needed someone I could trust to handle that responsibility effectively. Chris was the only one I could think of. After much persuasion, he agreed—and he delivered exceptionally.”
Obasanjo further revealed that Kolade played a key role in Nigeria’s successful debt relief campaign during his presidency.
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