Tinubu, Obasanjo other prominent Nigerians eulogise Christopher Kolade
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, former president Olusegun Obasanjo and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu were among the prominent personalities that attended the service of songs and night of tribute for Christopher Kolade, a former Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
At the well-attended event the leaders extolled the virtues of the deceased saying that he exhibited exceptional character while in public and private sector.
Kolade, who served as Managing Director and Chairman of Cadbury died on October 8 at the age of 92 years.
In his tribute to the late Kolade,Tinubu who was represented by his chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila extolled the virtues of the deceased, saying that he served the country with dexterity and integrity.
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Tinubu described the late Kolade as a selfless and talented personality who served the country with distinction both in the private and public sector.
President Tinubu further stated that the late Kolade’s death was a great loss to Nigeria, stressing that he extended his legacies for those coming after him
He noted that he would be remembered for his exceptional character and through his foundation which he used to served humanity.
Tinubu prayed that God would grant his family the fultide to bear his death.
Similarly, in his tribute, former president Olusegun said the Kolade was a friend from way back.
He described the deceased as a very good friend.
He said, “Chris and I were friends for a very long time friends. I don’t have many of them but the ones that I have are very good friends.
Read also: Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria mourns ex-president Christopher Kolade
“Chris doesn’t haggled for anything. I had to beg him to accept to be Nigeria’s High Commissioner. After a lot of persuasion, he agreed.”
Obasanjo revealed that that the pleaded with the late Kolade before accepting to become Nigeria’s ambassador to the United Kingdom during his tenure.
Extolling the virtues of the late Kolade further, Obasanjo pointed out that the late Kolade was an upright man who would remembered for service to the country and his generation.
In his tribute, Okonjo Iweala, former Nigeria’s Finance Minister and Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) said that the deceased exhibited shining example while in public and private offices.
The former Finance Minister who spoke virtually stated that the late Kolade would be remembered as a man of courage who served with conviction and discipline.
She further prayed for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear his loss.
During his sermon earlier, Yinka Akinlade, Bishop of the Diocese of Ife described the late diplomat as “not a perfect man, but a good man.”
Read also: Christopher Kolade’s life of uncommon grace and uncommon impact
“Today’s sermon is not about the dead but for us, the living,” he told the congregation, urging self-reflection and spiritual renewal.
The bishop challenged attendees to examine what governs their lives and have the fer of God while on earth.
“What are you allowing to take control of you? Is it the Spirit of God, or is it self and the world?” he asked.
He emphasised the need to let the Holy Spirit guide one’s life, saying, “When you allow the Spirit of God to heal you, even if you die physically, you live on in the spirit”.
“Jesus said, the one who believes in me that’s the Christian even when this flesh dies, he lives on.”
