June 2007
June 14, 2007 Commemorative Dinner for H.E. Dr. Christopher Kolade, CON
(From L to R) Dr. Christopher Kolade, Mrs. Beatrice Kolade, Ms. Judith Hanratty and Chief Emeka Anyaoku at the Dinner for Dr. Kolade in London
The night of June 14, 2007 was a special day for the Nigeria Leadership Initiative as the organisation held a special Commemorative Dinner for her Founding Patron and Co-Director, His Excellency, Dr. Christopher Kolade CON. The Dinner which was hosted by NLI Senior Fellows resident in the UK was held at the Regency Ballroom of The Savoy Hotel in Central London.
The Dinner held in recognition of Dr. Kolade’s effective leadership approach – based on strong values, and was also a celebration of his remarkable achievements as High Commissioner and the great impact he has had in strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Guests from the UK and Nigerian community in attendance at the event included H.E. Chief Emeka Anyaoku , former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, some members of the British Parliament, High Commissioners from different African nations, NLI Fellows and representatives of different Nigerian private sector organisations and community groups in the UK.
One of the highlights of the events was the showing of a video footage of tributes to Dr. Kolade. The footage included tributes from Sir Anthony Figgis (MP), Baronness Chalker, Chief John Adebanjo, Chairman, Virgin Nigeria, Pastor Paul Jinadu and several Nigerians.
At the Dinner, the NLI Founder, Segun Aganga announced the launch of the NLI – Christopher Kolade Annual Symposium. The Symposium will be held each year in Nigeria with a cast of eminent, highly credible, and public-spirited Nigerians brought together to discuss a topic or more of public import. The Symposium will honour Dr. Christopher Kolade, whose achievements in both the public and private spheres, as well as his personal example, set a benchmark for outstanding citizenship. The inaugural symposium, whose date and participants will be announced later, will be moderated by Dele Olojede, a Fellow of the 2006 NLI Senior Leaders Class.