Segun Awolowo, grandchild of the late Obafemi Awolowo, former premier of Western Nigeria, has died.
He was 62.
The Awolowo family announced the passing of Segun in a statement issued on Thursday.
“With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather- Olusegun Awolowo,” the statement reads.
“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.”
The family did not state the cause of this death.
Awolowo was the executive director and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) between 2013 and 2022.
In July 2021, he was unanimously elected president of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) from ECOWAS member states.
In 2023, the late former President Muhammadu Buhari approved Awolowo’s appointment as secretary of the national action committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over his death.
Tinubu conveyed his condolences to the Awolowo family through a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu Mourns the Passing of Awo’s Grandson, Segun Awolowo.’
The President described Segun Awolowo’s death at 62 as unfortunate and a tragic loss “not only to the Awolowo family, but also to the entire country.”
Tinubu noted that the deceased distinguished himself as a scion of the Awolowo family.
“Segun exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in appearance, character and demeanour.
“Like his grandfather, he was a lawyer committed to defending truth and justice.
“He made significant contributions to Nigeria. He served diligently as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2021, standing as the longest serving executive director of the agency in history,” the President said.
He added, “My sympathy and condolences to his wife and children, the Awolowo family, and his mum, our own Sisi Abah Folawiyo.
“I also commiserate with the governments and people of Ogun State, the entire South-west geopolitical zone, and Nigeria, over this painful loss. May his soul rest in peace.”
