- Safiu Kehinde
Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has on Monday paid tribute to late former Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation’s (NBC) Director-General and diplomat, Christopher Kolade.
NPO Reported that the late broadcaster died on Thursday 9th of October at the age of 93.
While tributes had flown across the country in mourning of the late former Nigerian High Commissioner, his night of tribute held yesterday saw prominent Nigerians again converged at the event.
Speaking at the event held at the Wole Soyinka centre (formerly National Theatre), Obasanjo decribed the late Kolade as his longtime friend.
He recounted how he had to persuade the Cadbury Nigeria’s ex-Managing Director to accept his appointment.
“Chris and I were friends for a very long time,
“He never sought positions or recognition. In fact, I had to beg him to accept the appointment as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK. After much persuasion, he agreed.” He recalled.
Obasanjo recounted the last days of the deceased, disclosing how he had got distress call from Kolade’s wife four days before his death.
“I got a call from Madam to the home. When I got there. I went there with no escort- no police. They made pap for him which he wasn’t eating but when I got in, he started eating.
“And I asked him, Chris, why are you frightening us? And he responded, if I didn’t frighten you, would you be here?
“I said ‘Chris you didn’t need to frighten us, you just need to call me and I would be here’. And four days later, he gave up the ghost.” He wrote.
Meanwhile, the event also had in attendance other dignitaries which include President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajambiamila; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justicie Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.