Saraki, Ezekwesili salute integrity, principle, selfless service of Christopher Kolade
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and ex-Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, have mourned the passing of former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Christopher Kolade.
Kolade, a former chairman of Cadbury, distinguished diplomat, academic, advocate for integrity and corporate governance, among other things, died at the age of 92.
In a tribute, Saraki said Kolade was reputed for his consistent principles.
He said: “I received the news of the passing of Dr. Christopher Kolade, elder statesman, veteran broadcaster, boardroom guru, and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, with shock.
“Dr. Kolade was a man whose integrity defined his person. Throughout his extensive career in broadcasting, diplomacy, business, and public service, he was known for his consistency: always principled, humble, and profoundly dedicated to the progress of our nation.
“As the nation reflects on his service to mankind, I offer my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and everyone whose life he touched.”
For Ezekwesili, Kolade was the best definition of a lovely and selfless soul of character who habitually cared about the wellbeing of others and loved Nigeria to the point of tears.
She said: “Dr Christopher Kolade has gone the way of all flesh, returning to his Maker whom he loved and served with total dedication while excelling professionally and leading inspirationally as a corporate boardrooms guru.
“In his time, he was synonymous with Cadbury PLC.
“Uncle Chris as I knew him, was a human being in the best definition of a lovely and selfless soul of character who habitually cared about the wellbeing of others and loved Nigeria to the point of tears.
“He will be remembered for so many legacies, a key one of which is the co-founding of the now globally recognized Lagos Business School during an era that military governance made enterprise a tough terrain to navigate.
“Praying the comfort and peace of God for our Aunty Beatty, Yvonne and rest of family.
“We will all miss you so much, Dr Kolade.
“Fare thee well, Uncle Chris. ✍?✍?✍?”
