Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has described the death of a former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade as a collosal loss, saying that Nigeria has lost one of its best.

In a statement by his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed on Thursday, Governor Adeleke expressed deep pain over the death of the one-time Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).

He praised Kolade, saying his life was marked by excellence and untainted integrity, recounting how his selflessness in the service of the nation has shaped institutions for the better and guide generations.

The governor also commiserated with the family of the nonagenarian and the people of Erin-Oke who have lost an illustrious son, noting that his demise has created a vacuum that will be hard to fill.

“The news of the death of Dr. Christopher Kolade came as a rude shock to me. This is because he passed away at a time that his vast and valuable experience, wisdom and guidance were much needed in navigating challenges confronting governance in Osun state and beyond,” Adeleke was quoted as saying in a condolence message.

“Throughout his life, Dr. Kolade made integrity his watchword in all his dealings and his commitment to excellence attracted people from far and near. As a public officer, he never used public office for personal benefits, and as a businessman, he championed integrity through his chairmanship of organisations such as Integrity Organisation Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE.

“As much as his passing represents a huge loss, I ask that everyone touched by this incident be consoled by the life of services and contributions that defined Dr. Kolade’s time on Earth and to also work to preserve his good legacy so as to keep him in the minds of the people forever.”

Governor Adeleke prayed to God to repose Kolade’s soul and grant his family, associates and everyone touched by his passing the fortitude to bear the pain, adding that “it is my sincere hope that his good works will not die with him.”