The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BoN) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Christopher Kolade, one of Nigeria’s foremost broadcasters and a founding father of the organisation. He died at the age of 92.
In a statement issued yesterday, BoN described Dr. Kolade as “a trail-blazer, who left indelible footprints in the history of broadcasting, not only in Nigeria but across Africa”.
Dr. Kolade, who served as Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) between 1973 and 1978, was celebrated for his pivotal role in shaping and stabilising the country’s broadcast industry.
He also served on key national committees, including the panel set up by former President Shehu Shagari to resolve the long-running dispute between the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government over television frequencies between the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and Lagos Television. He later chaired the NTA Restructuring Committee.
Dr. Kolade was among the senior media executives who founded BoN ahead of Nigeria’s hosting of the All-Africa Games in 1973.
Describing him as a man of integrity and vision, the organisation said Dr. Kolade’s life and service “will forever remain a reference point in the evolution of broadcast media in Africa”.
“Though he has gone the way of all mortals, his legacy of professionalism, leadership, and ethical broadcasting will continue to inspire generations”, the statement added.
