Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu were among the prominent personalities who joined in with songs and tributes to Christopher Kolade, former High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom.
Leaders present at the event praised the qualities of the deceased, saying he displayed exceptional character while serving in the public and private sectors.
Kolade, who served as managing director and chairman of Cadbury, died on 8 October at the age of 92.
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 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 in both the private and public sectors.
President Tinubu further said that the death of the late Kolade was a great loss to Nigeria, stressing that he bequeathed his legacies to those who came after him.
He said he will be remembered for his exceptional character and service to humanity through his foundation.
Tinubu prayed that God would give his family the strength to bear his death.
Similarly, former President Olusegun in his tribute said Kolade was our friend for a very long time.
He described the deceased as a very good friend.
He said, “Chris and I were friends for a very long time. I don't have a lot of friends but the ones I have are very good friends.”
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“Chris doesn't negotiate for anything. I had to beg him to become High Commissioner to Nigeria. After a lot of persuasion, he agreed.”
Obasanjo revealed that he had requested the late Kolade before he became Nigeria's Ambassador to the United Kingdom during his tenure.
Further praising the qualities of the late Kolade, Obasanjo pointed out that the late Kolade was a man of integrity who will be remembered for his service to the country and his generation.
In his tribute, Okonjo Iweala, former Finance Minister of Nigeria and Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), said the deceased set a great example while holding public and private offices.
The former Finance Minister, who delivered the speech virtually, said the late Kolade would be remembered as a courageous man who served with conviction and discipline.
He prayed to God to give his family the strength to bear this loss.
Earlier during his sermon, Bishop Yinka Akinlade of the Diocese of Ife described the late diplomat as “not an ideal man, but a good man”.
Also read: Christopher Kolade's life of extraordinary grace and extraordinary influence
“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 those present to examine what controls their lives and to keep God's affection while they are on earth.
“Who are you allowing to control you? Is it the Spirit of God, or is it yourself and the world?” he asked.
He emphasized the need for the Holy Spirit to guide one's life, saying, “When you allow the Spirit of God to heal you, even if you die physically, you live in the spirit”.
“Jesus said, whoever believes in me is a Christian, even though this body dies, he still lives.”
