Goodbye to a giant: Tribute to Christopher Kolade
By Anthony Kila
There are some lives, not most, that illuminate others — not by noise or spectacle, but by quiet consistency, integrity, and service. Christopher Kolade lived such a life. As news of his passing spread, across generations and professions — from classrooms to boardrooms, pulpits to public service — one phrase was repeated with reverence: “A man of honour.” My own sister was more penetrating, “End of an era”, she wrote. It is easy to see why. In a time when the word integrity often feels overused and underpractised, Kolade embodied it without effort or pretense. His life was a study in the virtues of discipline, humility, and excellence — values that guided him through broadcasting, diplomacy, business, and education.
Dr. Christopher Kolade embodies both a profound lesson and a poignant loss. I intentionally speak in the present tense because he continues to be an enduring source of inspiration, and I believe his absence leaves a void that may never truly be filled. Beyond the many commendations he has rightly received, one of the most important lessons his life teaches us is that success does not come suddenly or through mystery, but through consistent effort and integrity. Kolade’s journey to excellence was marked by deliberate, steady progress. He achieved greatness in every endeavour by adhering to a simple yet powerful formula: he worked diligently, arrived punctually, prepared thoroughly for every task and occasion, dressed appropriately, kept his promises, and fulfilled his responsibilities diligently, no matter the position he held. In a world of temptations and uncertainties, his life teaches, shows and reminds us that success is accessible to all who commit to these principles and maintain unwavering integrity.
I had the privilege of knowing him personally and sharing many private moments together. He was not only my teacher but also a source of inspiration, often praising me by saying, “You are the real teacher,” which I found deeply encouraging. There was a distinctiveness in the way he expressed himself—when he admitted, “I never thought about it that way,” or acknowledged, “Now that is at a very high level that many of us did not see,” it revealed his humility coupled with confidence and profound insight.
He embodied humility in both his words and actions, radiating a quiet confidence and intellectual depth that inspired those around him. His genuine interest in education was evident in the way he delighted in the work we do at the Commonwealth Institute. He followed my writings with sincere admiration and would often message me for clarifications or to discuss ideas further. Our meetings were always filled with meaningful conversations about our programs at CIAPS, their impact on Nigerians and Nigeria as a whole, and the broader educational landscape.
Always a visionary, he saw it as his duty to mentor and uplift me, especially when I faced frustrations. He would offer words of encouragement and share valuable lessons on resilience, reminding me of the importance of perseverance and faith in our mission. His presence was a nurturing force, and his legacy continues to influence and inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
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Christopher Kolade was more than just an educator to those who met him in classrooms and lecture halls — whether at the Lagos Business School or during his many public lectures. He served as a mentor, a philosopher of purpose, and an advocate of leading by example. One of the most enduring messages he shared with his students and mentees was that ‘Competence will take you far, but character will keep you there.’ In a time when society is fixated on success, he was quick to remind us that true greatness is not merely a product of ambition; rather, it is cultivated through discipline, integrity, and a sense of duty. Today, numerous individuals he mentored hold influential leadership roles across various sectors. I pray that they will carry forward his legacy, boldly embodying and promoting his core values through their work and personal conduct.
Christopher Kolade leaves behind more than titles and achievements — he leaves behind a standard. In a society searching for role models, his life reminds us that honour and success are not mutually exclusive.
His example challenges leaders across all spheres — political, corporate, and spiritual — to rediscover the profound power of quiet integrity.
His passing not only marks the loss of a remarkable individual but also prompts us to reflect deeply on the kind of lives we are striving to lead. Are we, in our daily pursuits, building legacies rooted in decency and character as much as in our tangible achievements? Christopher Kolade’s life stands as a compelling testament and answer to this ideal and question.
He belonged to a distinguished generation that truly regarded service as sacred, leadership as a form of stewardship, and legacy as something measured not by monuments or accolades but by the number of minds touched and lives improved.
As we bid farewell to this towering figure, we do so filled with gratitude—for his inspiring voice, his visionary ideas, and his virtuous character.
He exemplified what it truly means to live a meaningful life and to leave the world better than we found it.
To all of us whom he left behind to hope, dream, and strive, I invite us to join in a collective commitment to continue on his path and to persuade more to join. Let us strive, each in our own unique ways, to advance the noble work he began and dedicated his life to. By doing so, we ensure that his legacy not only endures but also flourishes, inspiring future generations through our actions and unwavering commitments.
May his admirable example continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration, guiding our pursuits and endeavours. May his memory remain a shining light in our hearts, illuminating the path as we carry forward his vision with dedication and resolve.
To the death who took him away, let me say with Donne,
“Death, be not proud, though some have called thee, Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so; Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
Death, thou shalt die.”
Join me, @anthonykila, if you can, to continue these conversations.
- Anthony Kila is a Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development at the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS). He serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Governing Council of the Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU).
