Segun Awolowo, grandson of Nigeria’s late nationalist Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has died at 62.
He was a former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and a prominent personality in public service, remembered for his work in support of Nigeria’s economic development and his family’s enduring legacy.
Segun Awolowo was the first grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the revered premier of Western Nigeria and one of the country’s founding statesmen.
He was born on 27th September 1963, just two months after the tragic death of his father, Segun Awolowo Sr., who died in a car accident on the old Ibadan-Lagos road at the young age of 25.
Segun trained as a lawyer and later became a respected technocrat. His most notable role was serving as Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) from 2013 to 2022.
During his tenure, he championed Nigeria’s Zero Oil Plan, a strategy designed to diversify the economy away from crude oil dependence by boosting non‑oil exports.
Awolowo also served as a Special Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and held advisory roles in government, where he was known for his pragmatic approach to policy and his commitment to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Tributes and Reactions
His death has been described as a “painful and sad loss to Nigeria” by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who praised him as “a great mind and ambassador of the Awolowo family who made good marks everywhere he served.”
President Bola Tinubu also expressed deep sadness, sending condolences to the Awolowo family and acknowledging Segun’s contributions to national development.
The family’s statement described him as “a painfully loyal servant to Nigeria, a true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being.”
Segun Awolowo’s passing marks the end of a chapter in one of Nigeria’s most storied families. The Awolowo name is synonymous with visionary leadership, education, and progressive politics.
Segun upheld this legacy through his work in trade promotion, economic diversification, and his advocacy for Nigeria’s integration into global markets.
He was also deeply involved in the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, publishers of the Tribune titles, which remain a cornerstone of Nigerian journalism founded by his grandfather.
Segun Awolowo leaves behind his wife, children, and grandchildren but his death is not only a loss to his family but also to Nigeria’s economic and political community.
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