Dignitaries on Monday poured glowing tributes on the late veteran broadcaster and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Christopher Kolade, during a service of songs held in his honour.

Kolade, who died peacefully on October 8, 2025, at the age of 92, was described as a man of rare integrity, humility, and devotion to God and country.

His family, in announcing his passing, said, “We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings.”

The service of songs, part of the rites of passage for the elder statesman, took place at the Wole Soyinka Centre (formerly the National Arts Theatre). It drew family members, friends, associates, and serving and former public officials.

Among the dignitaries present were President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Minister of Science and Technology, Olorunibe Mamora; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, among others.

Delivering a tribute on behalf of the President, Gbajabiamila praised Kolade’s devotion to God and humanity.

He said, “Few people bestride the arena of public service with the dexterity, confidence, and diligence that Dr. Christopher Kolade possessed throughout his life. He served his country with distinction, leaving behind a legacy of excellence for others to emulate.

“Through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, he extended his service to humanity by helping the sick, the afflicted, and the downtrodden. His work in supporting persons living with sickle cell remains one of the most significant achievements of his life.

“We do not mourn Dr. Kolade because we know he lived for God and for others. Our grief comes from the knowledge that the nation has lost a talented, passionate, and selfless individual. Dr. Kolade now belongs to the ages.”

Obasanjo, in his statement, described the late diplomat as a man who never sought personal gains and had to be persuaded to accept the position of High Commissioner to the United Kingdom during his administration.

The former president said, “Chris and I have come a long way. I don’t have too many friends, but the ones I have are very dear to me, and Chris was one of them. I had to beg and persuade him to accept the position of High Commissioner in London.

“The reason was simple: the UK hosts the largest number of Nigerians in the diaspora, and I needed someone I could trust to handle that responsibility effectively. Chris was the only one I could think of. After much persuasion, he agreed, and he delivered exceptionally.”

Obasanjo further revealed that Kolade played a key role in Nigeria’s successful debt relief campaign during his presidency.

Mamora, who spoke with Punch on the sideline of the event, described the deceased as a man of honour and integrity.

He said, “I am happy to be part of this farewell to a man who lived a life of purpose and service—not just to Nigeria but to humanity.

“I had the privilege of working closely with him while serving as the company doctor at Cadbury Nigeria between 1988 and 1992. One of his most striking virtues was his legendary humility.”

Also paying tribute, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi described Kolade as “one of the best of humanity.”

“He represented the best of humanity in integrity, character, and service,” Obi said. “He possessed everything one could admire in a human being.”

Delivering the sermon, the Archbishop of Ife Diocese, Most Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade, described Kolade as “a good man” who lived righteously.

“He was not a perfect man but a good one, and that is why God granted him the grace to live to the age of 93—to die and end like a righteous man,” he said.

The late Kolade had a distinguished career as a broadcaster, diplomat, academic, and advocate of integrity and corporate governance.

Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, he was the son of an Anglican missionary.

He attended Government College, Ibadan, and later studied at Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he obtained his higher education.