By Abiola Olawale
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has mourned the demise of Olusegun Awolowo Jr., the grandson of the late Western Region Premier, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, describing the passing as a “painful, sad loss to Nigeria.”
In a statement released on Friday, Makinde extended his deep condolences to the Awolowo family.
The Governor also condoled with the Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, publishers of the Tribune Titles, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, the entire Awolowo family, and the management of Tribune newspaper.
He described Segun Awolowo, a former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), as a great mind and a great ambassador of the Awolowo family, who made a positive impact everywhere he served.
Makinde prayed God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased.
Olusegun Awolowo, the grandson of the late statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, passed away on Thursday at the age of 62.
The family announced his death in a statement on Thursday, describing him as “a phenomenal husband, father, and grandfather steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the unwavering anchor of our family.”
Born on 27 September 1963, Olusegun Awolowo Jr. was delivered two months after the tragic death of his father, Segun Awolowo Sr., in a car accident. He grew up under the care of his aunt, Mrs Tola Oyediran (née Awolowo), and her husband, Prof Kayode Oyediran.
Awolowo attended Mayhill Convent School, where he was a schoolmate of future Second Lady, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, before continuing to Igbobi College, Yaba, and Government College, Ibadan. He earned his Law degree (LLB) from Ogun State University, Ago Iwoye (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), and was called to the Nigerian Bar in December 1989.School supplies
His professional career included stints at the law firms Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and GOK Ajayi & Co., before he joined President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration as Special Assistant on Traditional Institutions, Legal Matters, and Due Diligence. Under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, he served in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) as Secretary for Social Development and Secretary of Transport from 2007 to 2011.
Appointed NEPC chief executive in 2013 by President Goodluck Jonathan, Awolowo’s tenure was renewed in 2018 by President Muhammadu Buhari. He spearheaded the landmark Zero Oil Plan, aimed at shifting Nigeria’s economy from crude oil dependence to non-oil exports, targeting $30 billion in foreign exchange earnings. Under his leadership, NEPC signed a $1 billion Memorandum of Understanding with AFREXIM Bank and NEXIM Bank at the inaugural Intra-African Trade Fair in Cairo in 2018 and pursued partnerships, including one with Shoprite, to promote Nigerian products across Africa.
He is survived by his wife and children. His daughter, Seun Awolowo, is widely recognised for her advocacy work through Teach-A-Girl Nigeria and as the founder of Leads Africa and 3D Living Moments.
