President Bola Tinubu and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku, have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Christopher Kolade, describing the late broadcaster, diplomat, and boardroom icon as “one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures” whose legacy of integrity, service, and excellence will continue to inspire generations.

In a statement personally signed by him, yesterday, President Tinubu said he received the news of Kolade’s death with “profound sadness,” noting that the late elder statesman’s contributions to national development spanned education, corporate governance, diplomacy, and humanitarian service.

“Dr. Kolade, 92, was a custodian of our enterprise history, especially concerning corporate governance and human resources management. He was a principal figure in reputable institutions like the Lagos Business School,” the President said.

He extolled Kolade’s brilliance, integrity, and patriotism, describing him as “among the finest of men, exceptionally brilliant, statesmanly, diligent, and with unimpeachable integrity.”

Tinubu noted that beyond his corporate achievements, including serving as chief executive and later chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Kolade was a patriot and an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability in governance.

ANYAOKU, in his reaction, described Kolade as “an Iroko in the country’s limited forest of public servants with impeccable integrity.” In a condolence message sent from London, Anyaoku lamented the passing of the revered diplomat, corporate leader, and statesman, noting that Nigeria had lost one of its most ethical and exemplary figures in both public service and the private sector.

He also highlighted Kolade’s “remarkably enduring legacies,” including his service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a position through which he represented the nation with dignity and excellence.