News
Things To Know About Late Elder Statesman Christopher Kolade

Veteran broadcaster, business icon, and diplomat Christopher Kolade has died at the age of 93.
The family announced the elder statesman’s death in a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, the late former Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc died peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Below are the things to know about the elder statesman
Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, to an Anglican missionary father, Kolade’s early years were shaped by faith, discipline, and learning.
He attended Government College, Ibadan, before proceeding to Fourah Bay College, Freetown, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from one of West Africa’s most prestigious universities.
Broadcasting trailblazer
Kolade began his professional career in the 1950s as an Education Officer in the Western Region. However, following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, he transitioned to broadcasting — a move that would define the early part of his illustrious career.
At the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (now the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Kolade rose through the ranks to become Director-General.
READ ALSO:Retired DIG Parry Osayande is dead
Those who worked under him remember his professionalism, dignity, and insistence on ethical journalism — qualities that set him apart in Nigeria’s early broadcasting years.
His collaboration with the late Segun Olusola helped lay the foundation for modern television and radio in the country.
Corporate leader
After nearly two decades in broadcasting, Kolade joined Cadbury Nigeria Plc in 1978 as Administration Director. He later became Managing Director, Chief Executive, and eventually Chairman, leading the company through what many described as its “golden era.”
Beyond the corporate boardroom, Kolade was a champion of ethical business practices. He chaired both the Integrity Organisation and The Convention on Business Integrity, long before “corporate governance” became a popular phrase in Nigeria’s business lexicon.
READ ALSO:Two Dead, Four Injured In DICON Factory Explosion
Teacher, mentor, and voice of values
Even after retiring from corporate life, Kolade continued to shape minds and values.
At the Lagos Business School, he taught Corporate Governance, Human Resource Management, and Leadership, where generations of business executives recall him as a mentor who began each class with questions about values rather than profits.
He later served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Pan-Atlantic University, which houses both LBS and the School of Media and Communication, and as Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun State.
Diplomat and devout Anglican
From 2002 to 2007, Kolade served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, earning widespread respect for his diplomacy, humility, and integrity.
A devout Anglican, he received the Order of St Augustine Medal from the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1981 and was later installed as a Lay Canon Emeritus at Guildford Cathedral, United Kingdom. He was also organist and choir director at St Peter’s Church, Faji, Lagos, a testament to his lifelong commitment to faith and service.
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Despite his towering résumé, which includes Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Past President of both the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Institute of Personnel Management, and recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Niger, Kolade remained remarkably humble.
Family life
He was married to Beatrice Egochukwu Ukogu, with whom he had two sons. Those close to him describe him as a devoted husband and father who balanced public duty with family warmth and simplicity.
Kolade’s life was anchored in family, faith, and service — values he lived and passed on to all who encountered him.
Enduring Legacy
In business circles, Kolade will be remembered as a leader of principle, while in academia, as a mentor who shaped minds with moral clarity and in diplomacy, as an envoy who carried Nigeria’s name with dignity.
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached
Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
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