Lagos, Nigeria – E be like say Lagos no wan sleep as President Bola Tinubu and plenty big names gather pay their last respects to late Dr. Christopher Kolade, a true elder statesman and diplomat. The Service of Songs and Night of Tribute wey happen on Monday, na to honour this man wey don leave us at age 93 on October 8, 2025.
Dem wey still dey around wey talk about him life include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hopeful presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the mama of trade for Africa, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. All of dem come gather like say na party wey dey happen, but this one no be ordinary party, na deep tribute for a life wey shine bright like the sun.
The Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, stand-in for the president, and him no carry mouth for ground. Him call Kolade a man of “honour, integrity, and compassion.” As Tinubu know say this man sabi how to blend both public service and private sector like sugar and garri, him talk say Kolade na one of the finest wey ever exist for Nigeria. Na him dey run things in companies like Cadbury Nigeria Plc and him don show wetin e mean to be High Commissioner to UK.
Obasanjo no hold back when e dey talk about Kolade too. Him call am a trusted friend wey fit handle diplomatic shakara while managing Nigeria’s image for abroad. “No be small wahala. I even beg am to collect dat High Commissioner position. Na him I fit trust to carry Nigeria matter for UK,” Obasanjo gisted.
Even Okonjo-Iweala wey join dem from online, shower plenty praises for Kolade. She can remember how him defend am during her own time for that same High Commissioner post, saying “Uncle Chris no dey shake for wetin e believe. I sabi say him dey rest peacefully with God.”
As for Emeka Oparah, the guy no fit help but share some funny story wey show that Kolade dey humble. E remember how Kolade call him wife one early morning just to apologise for sending am on assignment wey e no go fit handle anytime. Oparah talk say, “That simple gesture na wetin show wetin Dr. Kolade be. E dey respect everybody, irrespective of their level.”
Born in 1932, this Kolade na true legend wey don leave serious legacy of humility, integrity, and leadership. Him serve for broadcasting, diplomacy, academia and on top business, making him one of the most respected figures for Nigeria. Many go miss am well well, but like dem talk, people wey get good heart no dey really die; dem just dey continue dey life through the inspiration wey dem leave behind.
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