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From Chukwuma Umeorah
President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, among other prominent Nigerians, on Monday paid tributes to the late Ambassador Christopher Kolade, describing him as a man of integrity who devoted his life to public service and ethical leadership.
Speaking at the memorial service in Lagos, Tinubu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, described Kolade as “an honourable man and a most distinguished Nigerian” whose moral principles and commitment to the public good remain a reference point in leadership.
“Few people have strode the arena of public service and private enterprise with the dexterity, confidence, integrity, and diligence that Dr Christopher Kolade possessed in abundance throughout his life,” Tinubu said.
He noted that beyond his official roles as Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), Managing Director and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Kolade through “The Christopher Kolade Foundation,” the late diplomat demonstrated compassion for the less privileged, particularly in the areas of education and youth empowerment. “We do not mourn Dr Kolade because he lived a good life of service to God and country. Our grief stems from knowing that in his passing, our nation has lost the talents, experience, and courage of this progressive and passionate individual,” he added.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his tribute highlighted Kolade’s quiet but critical role in Nigeria’s effort to secure debt relief during his administration. He said Kolade’s credibility and international reputation were instrumental in earning the confidence of development partners and foreign governments at a time Nigeria was struggling to rebuild its image.
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“When we began the process of debt relief, people like Kolade gave our delegation credibility. He was a man who the international community respected for his integrity. His presence alone opened doors for Nigeria,” Obasanjo noted that Kolade’s support for Nigeria’s external negotiations went beyond advice, adding that his interventions with stakeholders in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe helped Nigeria present a stronger moral and diplomatic case for debt cancellation.
“He used his goodwill selflessly to advance the country’s interest. That is the kind of patriot he was, a man who believed in Nigeria even when things looked difficult.”
WTO Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, described the late diplomat as a mentor and father figure who embodied faith, humility, and courage.
“Uncle Chris went all out for me, defending the work that I was engaged in as Finance Minister. He was a shining example of how to serve others with honesty and faith. Calm, dignified, and cerebral, Uncle Chris was the kind of leader we all wanted to emulate.” She said Kolade and his wife, Beatrice, “adopted” her as family, offering consistent encouragement and guidance throughout her career.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, alongside diplomats, corporate executives, and clergy who were at the event, praised Kolade’s enduring influence on leadership and governance in Nigeria.
