By Obinna Uballa
Nigeria is in mourning following the passing of Mr Segun Awolowo, grandson of the late nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He died at the age of 62.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Awolowo family described him as a devoted patriot and the anchor of their home.
“With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather – Olusegun Awolowo,” the statement said.
“He was the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather – steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family. A painfully loyal servant to Nigeria, he dedicated his life to the service of his country with vision, integrity, passion and unwavering commitment. He was a true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God and a deeply beautiful human being.
“He loved his family.
He loved his work.
He loved his country.
“And he lived every day with purpose, humility and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him.
“We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
A lawyer and distinguished public servant, Awolowo was the only son of the late Abah Folawiyo. He is widely remembered for his tenure as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) from 2013 to 2021. In July 2021, he was appointed President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) of ECOWAS member states.
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.
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 founder of Leads Africa and 3D Living Moments.
