Renowned Nigerian statesman, broadcaster and diplomat, Dr Christopher Kolade, has died at the age of 93, his family announced on Wednesday.

In a statement, the family said: “We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings.”

Dr. Kolade passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.

Born on 28 December 1932 in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Kolade had a distinguished career spanning broadcasting, diplomacy, academia, and corporate governance. The son of an Anglican missionary, he attended Government College, Ibadan, before studying at Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

He received honorary doctorate degrees from McPherson University (2016) and the University of Sierra Leone (1976), among others.

Kolade began his career in broadcasting, rising to the position of Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). He later became Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and went on to serve as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

After his diplomatic service, he lectured at the Lagos Business School, teaching Corporate Governance and Human Resource Management, and at the School of Media and Communication, both under the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. He also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university.

His influence extended across national and international organisations. He chaired or led several institutions including the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, the International Institute for Communications, and the World Association for Christian Communication.

In recognition of his lifelong commitment to integrity and leadership, Dr Kolade received the Order of St Augustine Medal from the Archbishop of Canterbury. In 2012, he was appointed Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Board by then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

A passionate advocate for ethical business practices, Kolade also chaired Integrity Organisation Ltd. GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd. GTE.