Nigeria has lost one of its most respected public figures following the death of Segun Awolowo, a lawyer, economic advocate, and grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former Premier of the Western Region. He died at the age of 62, the Awolowo family announced in a statement on Thursday.
In the announcement, the family expressed profound grief:
“With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather — Olusegun Awolowo,” the statement read. “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.”
Segun Awolowo distinguished himself in public service. A trained lawyer, he served as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) from 2013 to 2021. During his tenure, he championed key economic diversification programmes, including the Zero Oil Initiative, which sought to strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil export capacity. His work earned him wide recognition both at home and abroad.
In July 2021, he was unanimously elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) of ECOWAS member states, where he continued to advocate for regional economic integration and export development.
Awolowo’s life was deeply rooted in family history. He was the son of Segun Awolowo Sr., who died tragically in a car accident along the old Ibadan–Lagos road in 1963 at the age of 25. Although he lost his father as an infant, Segun Awolowo upheld the Awolowo legacy with dignity, intellect, and unwavering patriotism.
His passing marks the end of another chapter in one of Nigeria’s most influential political families. Tributes are pouring in from across the country, celebrating his calm leadership style, his commitment to national development, and his lifelong dedication to public service.
You can get every of our news as soon as they drop on WhatsApp ...To get all news updates, Join our WhatsApp Group (Click Here)
