By Obinna Uballa
Nigeria’s political and business communities were thrown into shock on Thursday following reports of the death of Mr. Segun Awolowo, grandson of the late nationalist and elder statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Although details of his passing remain sketchy, family sources said news of his death has caused deep distress within the Awolowo dynasty. An official statement from the family is still being awaited.
Segun Awolowo, a lawyer and seasoned public administrator, was the only son of the late Abah Folawiyo. He served as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) from 2013 to 2021, before being unanimously elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) of ECOWASy member states in July 2021.
Born on 27 September 1963, Olusegun Awolowo Jr. was delivered two months after the tragic death of his father, Segun Awolowo Sr., who died in a car crash at just 25. Following the incident, he was raised by his aunt, Mrs. Tola Oyediran (née Awolowo), and her husband, Prof. Kayode Oyediran.
He began his education at Mayhill Convent School, schooling alongside Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He later attended Igbobi College, Lagos, and completed his secondary education at Government College, Ibadan. He studied Law at Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989.
Awolowo’s professional career took him through notable law firms, including Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and GOK Ajayi & Co. His entry into public service began during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, where he served as Special Assistant on Traditional Institutions and Legal Matters. He later joined the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as Secretary for Social Development and Secretary of Transport between 2007 and 2011.
His most prominent national role came in 2013 when President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him Executive Director/CEO of the NEPC. President Muhammadu Buhari renewed his tenure in 2018, allowing him to continue pushing Nigeria’s non-oil export agenda.
Awolowo is widely credited with conceptualising and driving the Zero Oil Plan, a major component of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil by expanding non-oil exports, promoting value addition, and targeting up to $30 billion in annual export revenue.
In 2018, he led the NEPC into a landmark $1 billion Memorandum of Understanding with AFREXIM Bank and NEXIM Bank during the first Intra-African Trade Fair in Cairo, designed to boost intra-African trade and support Nigerian exporters. Under his leadership, the Council also explored partnerships with global retail chains, including Shoprite, to place Nigerian products on international shelves.
Awolowo is survived by his wife and children. His daughter, Seun, is a well-known advocate for girl-child education and founder of Teach-A-Girl Nigeria, Leads Africa, and 3D Living Moments.
Further details are expected as the Awolowo family prepares an official announcement on his passing.
