Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Mr. Segun Awolowo, describing the death as a painful and sad loss to Nigeria. The governor's condolences come as the nation mourns the prominent lawyer and trade expert who died on November 21, 2025.
A Legacy of Service and Leadership
Segun Awolowo, who served as the Executive Director and CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2021, was widely recognized as a great mind and ambassador of the Awolowo family. Governor Makinde emphasized that Awolowo made positive impressions wherever he went during his distinguished career.
The governor extended his sympathies to Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, publishers of Tribune Titles, as well as the entire Awolowo family and Tribune management. Makinde prayed for God to grant eternal rest to the deceased's soul.
Distinguished Career and Personal Journey
Olusegun Awolowo Jr. was born on September 27, 1963, and faced early tragedy when his father, Segun Awolowo Sr., died in a car accident just two months before his birth. He spent his childhood under the care of his aunt, Tola Oyediran, and her husband Kayode Oyediran, though he initially lived with his mother and siblings.
His educational journey began at Mayhill Convent School, where he studied alongside Dolapo Osinbajo. He later attended Igbobi College in Lagos before completing his secondary education at Government College, Ibadan. Awolowo earned his LLB degree from Ogun State University, now known as Olabisi Onabanjo University.
After being called to the Nigerian bar in December 1989, he built his legal career at respected firms including Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and G.O.K. Ajayi & Co.
Public Service and International Recognition
Awolowo's public service career included significant roles as Special Assistant in the administrations of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, where he handled matters concerning traditional institutions, legal affairs, and social development.
His most notable achievement came during his eight-year tenure as Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, a position he held from 2013 through 2021 after being reappointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018. Under his leadership, the NEPC pursued numerous initiatives to boost Nigeria's non-oil exports, including a significant 2019 partnership with Shoprite to distribute Nigerian products across Africa.
In July 2021, Awolowo reached another career milestone when he was unanimously elected as President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations from ECOWAS member states, a position he held until his death. His leadership in this role strengthened Nigeria's trade presence across West Africa and beyond.
As the first grandson of the legendary nationalist and statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Segun Awolowo carried forward his family's legacy of service to Nigeria while establishing his own distinguished career in trade promotion and international relations.
