Nigeria’s Mr. Integrity: Dr. Christopher Kolade
Dr. Christopher Kolade, born in Nigeria in 1932, is the son of a respected missionary reverend. He attended Government College, Ibadan for secondary school and later studied at Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone.
Christopher Kolade is a skilled professional with expertise in broadcasting, corporate governance, and diplomacy. He is known for his excellent language skills in both Yoruba and English and has held influential positions throughout his career. Kolade’s refined manners and polished demeanor exhibit a long-standing commitment to professionalism.
Dr. Kolade’s exceptional character and leadership abilities have earned him widespread respect and admiration. He places a high value on dignity and respect, ensuring that courtesy and civility are always upheld. He has also shared his expertise as a teacher at esteemed institutions such as Lagos Business School and the School of Media & Communication, both part of Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos.
Christopher Kolade (left), Klaus Stephan and Elsie Olusola in the first film made in Nigeria, 1965. Featured in German TV and Nigeria in the later 1960s. (Elsie Olusola was “Sisi Clara” in the TV series of the 1970s, Village Headmaster, directed by Segun Olusola)
Dr. Christopher Kolade is a highly respected individual with an extensive background in national and international organizations. He has held prestigious positions in various institutions, including being President of the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria. He is currently serving as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Pan-Atlantic University, as well as the Chancellor of McPherson University in Nigeria.
Christopher Kolade, also known as “Mr. Integrity” in Nigeria, had a distinguished career as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2002 to 2007. He earned a well-deserved reputation for his exceptional diplomatic skills and was recognized by Britain for his unique contributions.
Before his diplomatic appointment, he worked as a lecturer at the Lagos Business School between 1995 and 2002 where he taught Corporate Governance, Leadership and Human Resource Management. He returned to the classroom after serving his term as Nigeria’s High Commisisoner.
Dr. Kolade is a prominent advocate for business integrity in Nigeria and has held leadership positions in organizations like the Convention on Business Integrity and Managing Business for Christ. He also previously chaired the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme Board under the former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
Dr. Kolade is known for his emphasis on self-respect and self-restraint, guided by the principles of Omoluabi. He values respect for others and is committed to serving God, his country, and humanity. In his interview with Premium Times newspaper, he said: “I respect people. I have a very healthy respect for people, probably because of my background and my relationship with God. Only God creates people, human beings don’t. And whatever a human being is going to become, it will derive directly from what God has created him to be.”
He has received recognition for his contributions, including the medal of the Order of St. Augustine, and serves as a Lay Canon in the Anglican Church’s Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Guildford in the UK. He was also awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in the year 2000.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Kolade
https://npl.ng/index.php/team/dr-christopher-kolade-con/
https://www.nigerianbritishawards.com/dr-christopher-kolade/