The Nigerian nation is in mourning following the sudden passing of Olusegun Awolowo, the National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office (NACO). The distinguished public servant was 62 years old when he died, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to his country.
A Life of Service and Dedication
The Awolowo family confirmed the tragic news through an official statement that painted a picture of a man completely devoted to both his family and his nation. They described him as a phenomenal husband, father, grandfather and loyal servant to Nigeria who lived every day with purpose and humility.
"He dedicated his life to the service of his country with vision, integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment," the family statement read. "We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, legacy and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace."
Born on September 27, 1963, Awolowo's life was marked by tragedy from the beginning. His father, Segun Awolowo Sr., died the same year he was born in a car accident on the old Ibadan-Lagos road. He was the grandson of the revered Nigerian statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the visionary leader who transformed Western Nigeria into an economic and educational powerhouse during his tenure as Premier.
Distinguished Career Across Multiple Administrations
Olusegun Awolowo's professional journey reflected his deep commitment to national development. His educational path took him through Mayhill Convent School, Igbobi College in Yaba, Lagos State, and Government College in Ibadan before he earned his LLB degree from Ogun State University, now known as Olabisi Onabanjo University.
After gaining experience at law firms Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and GOK Ajayi & Co., he established his own practice before answering the call to public service. He worked with three Nigerian presidents in various capacities, beginning with President Olusegun Obasanjo, who appointed him as Special Assistant on Traditional Institutions, Legal Due Diligence and Legal Matters.
Under President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, he served as Special Assistant and later worked with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in Abuja as Secretary for Social Development and Secretary of Transport from 2007 to 2011. President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him as Executive Director and CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in November 2013, where he served until 2021.
Architect of Nigeria's Economic Transformation
Awolowo's most significant contributions came in the realm of trade and economic development. His passion for driving non-oil exports and his belief that Nigeria must "export its way out of poverty" made him the perfect candidate for key positions in trade promotion.
In 2021, he was unanimously elected as President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations from ECOWAS member States. Later, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as secretary of the National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and he eventually became national coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office (NACO).
Perhaps his most enduring legacy is the Zero Oil Plan, an economic blueprint he championed to increase Nigeria's export of non-oil goods. Launched in 2016, this ambitious plan aimed to engage the private sector, government, and international institutions to shift Nigeria from exporting raw materials to value-added products, thereby increasing foreign exchange revenue and creating jobs.
The plan focused on promoting the value of Nigerian-made products and services abroad while boosting domestic production of home-made goods. His vision for economic diversification through exports represented a fundamental shift in Nigeria's economic strategy.
National Tributes and Personal Loss
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, expressed profound personal grief at Awolowo's passing, describing it as "extremely hard to process." The governor noted that while Awolowo's earthly journey was brief, it was "hugely impactful" and described him as "a jolly good fellow."
"We are deeply heartbroken, but we will take consolation in the exemplary, great lessons his life taught us," Governor Abiodun stated. "I commiserate with his dear wife and children, the Awolowo family, and Nigerians in general. May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose."
Awolowo's death represents a significant loss to Nigeria's economic development efforts, particularly at a time when the country is positioning itself to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement. His work at NACO was crucial to ensuring Nigeria maximized the opportunities presented by this continental trade pact.
The late coordinator is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, along with an extended family and nation that benefited from his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to public service. His passing leaves a void in Nigeria's trade and economic policy landscape that will be challenging to fill.
