As Dr Christopher Kolade turns 90, by Simbo Olorunfemi

"I strongly believe that the surest way to combat and overcome bad behavior in our community is to reinforce good behavior wherever we find it." – Dr. Christopher Kolade< /p>

During April of this year, my phone rang and it was Dr. Christopher Kolade on the line. I had barely said "Hello, Sir" before he surprised me with an apology. He considered it inappropriate to only call when he had a "favor" to ask me. I was mute. Such a revered former statesman who thinks of me for anything, to the point of calling, is a huge favor. I should first apologize for not having been in contact with him.

What was that "favor"? Dr Kolade wanted to see if I could help a UK based author who had approached him about book publishing. He did not assume a position of superiority because he is an Elder, a national icon for that matter. To think that his request was a potential business opportunity for me. Yet he was courteous and respectful, as always.

For me, that sums up the person of Dr. Christopher Kolade in a few words. It is this sense of courtesy, a commitment to decency and civility to which he, as an example of his generation, has remained committed, no matter how far he has come from these values. Respect for others is a virtue to which he firmly subscribes. As he once told me, “…God ​​regards people as his most precious and important creation. Thus, people should regard people as an important creation of Almighty God. People should be respected and treated with consideration."

“I respect people. I have a very healthy respect for people, probably because of my background and my relationship with God. Only God creates people, not human beings. human becomes, it will flow directly from what God created him to be."

For those who have not had the privilege of a direct relationship or engagement with Dr. Kolade, they might wonder what has always made his proteges, especially members of Cadbury Alumni, speak of him in such glowing terms. While they often talk about the location of their experiences with him, I see it in the importance he places on people and gives them a chance.

On his management philosophy, he told me, "I saw my role in managing people as taking the person and saying, 'Really, I don't know how far this person can go' I have no idea what the ultimate may be. But it's my role to help that person get there. I'm not going to push them there, but I have to create situations that make it easier for them. journey… creating opportunities, but secondly and most importantly, creating challenges, because you only grow if you stretch. You have to stretch to grow. And you can only stretch when the thing you are trying to achieve isn't exactly within your reach right now, so by creating challenges, sometimes you'll find that those challenges become opportunities."

So first and foremost, it is the dignity and respect that Dr. Christopher Kolade, even as a boss or leader, brings to the table that earns me the respect and admiration of many. With him, no compromise on courtesy and civility. His words are measured. His mastery of two languages ​​– Yoruba and English, impeccable. Its smooth and precise delivery in the manner of the well-honed broadcaster that it was. His manners, civilized and polite, were probably formed before his years as a diplomat.

For Dr. Christopher Kolade, like some of the great men of his generation, there is an understanding of the place of self-respect and self-control. There is a basis he has of Omoluabi's philosophy and values, which finds expression in the way he has chosen to live based on simplicity and a strong sense of integrity. With him, nothing like a sense of entitlement. It is always about respect for others, service to God, country and humanity.