Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran broadcaster, diplomat, and academic, Ambassador Christopher Kolade, CON, describing his death as “the fall of an agelong shining star from the firmament of Nigeria.”
In a heartfelt condolence message issued on X on Friday, Atiku eulogised the late Kolade, who passed away peacefully at the age of 92, as a rare Nigerian whose life embodied service, excellence, and integrity across multiple spheres of national development.
“The demise of Ambassador Christopher Kolade, CON, peacefully at the ripe age of 93, is akin to the fall of an agelong shining star from the firmament of Nigeria,” Atiku said.
He praised the late statesman as “a man of many parts who served our country meritoriously at different levels, both in the private and public sectors.”
The former vice president described Kolade’s passing as a moment for national reflection, lamenting that Nigeria had lost “a remarkable technocrat, academic, diplomat par excellence, a seasoned captain of industry, and a celebrated symbol of integrity and dignity.”
Atiku continued, “Even his adversaries will agree that Dr. Kolade was Mr. Integrity and Humility personified. He exuded immense knowledge and shared tremendous positive influence on virtually all facets of life for so many decades.”
He also highlighted Kolade’s distinguished service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, describing him as “a blend of old morals and modern behavioural compass.”
“The late patriarch of the Kolade family was a great family man, a devout Christian, and a meticulous stickler for dignity and transparency, both in corporate and public service,” Atiku noted.
Consoling the bereaved family, friends, and associates of the deceased, the former vice president said: “May the nuclear and extended families, friends, and associates of the departed global giant find solace in the undying legacy of great deeds and the exemplary lifestyle bequeathed by the amiable gentleman and consummate philanthropist.”
He concluded with a prayer for the eternal repose of the late ambassador’s soul: “As our country loses another impactful titan and nation-builder, it is my fervent prayer that the soul of the beloved ace broadcaster, boardroom guru, and corporate governance mentor would find blissful rest in eternity.”
Ambassador Kolade, widely respected for his integrity, leadership, and professionalism, served as Nigeria’s envoy to the United Kingdom, former Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, and later as Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc. He was celebrated throughout his career for his commitment to ethical standards and nation-building.
