The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has mourned the passing of Dr. Christopher Kolade, describing him as “a national treasure whose life exemplified integrity, discipline, and service to humanity.”
Dr. Kolade, one of Nigeria’s most revered technocrats and boardroom icons, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92, according to a statement from his family.
In a heartfelt condolence message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Leke Olatunji Baiyewu, Speaker Abbas said Dr. Kolade was “a rare breed in Nigeria’s public and private life — a man whose moral strength was matched only by his intellectual depth.”
“Dr. Christopher Kolade stood as a pillar of excellence in every sphere he touched — from broadcasting to business management, from diplomacy to ethics in leadership. He lived a life that reminded us that integrity remains the truest measure of success,” the Speaker said.
Describing the late statesman as “a shining light in Nigeria’s corporate history,” Abbas noted that Kolade’s decades-long career in leadership and corporate governance left an indelible mark on generations of professionals.
He added that Dr. Kolade’s passing marked the end of an era defined by mentorship, vision, and moral clarity.
“Nigeria has lost a man of uncommon wisdom and grace — one who believed that leadership must serve, not rule. His legacy will continue to inspire both public servants and private sector leaders,” Speaker Abbas added.
While commiserating with the Kolade family, the Speaker prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss and grant Dr. Kolade eternal rest.