The HID Awolowo Foundation has announced significant changes to its upcoming National Dialogue on Women in Politics following the sudden passing of Olusegun Awolowo (Jnr). The event, originally scheduled as an in-person gathering, will now adopt a hybrid format to accommodate both physical and virtual participation.
Format Change Following Family Tragedy
The Foundation confirmed that the adjustment became necessary after the death of Olusegun Awolowo (Jnr), grandson of the legendary Obafemi Awolowo and HID Awolowo, which occurred last Thursday. The organization acknowledged that this loss has brought profound grief to the Awolowo family and the broader community that continues to hold the family's legacy in high esteem.
The National Dialogue on Women in Politics: Thirty years after Beijing will proceed as scheduled for tomorrow, November 25, 2025. However, participants now have the option to attend either physically at the Efunyela Hall in Ikenne or join virtually through online platforms. This hybrid approach ensures continued broad engagement while respecting the family's period of mourning.
Special Tribute to Segun Awolowo
In a heartfelt move, the Board of the Foundation has resolved to include a special segment during the dialogue dedicated to honoring the memory of the late Segun Awolowo. This tribute will highlight his significant contributions and reflect on the core values that defined the Awolowo tradition: service, integrity, and public-minded leadership.
The special segment will serve as a poignant reminder of the family's enduring commitment to national development and public service that has spanned generations. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on how these values intersect with the dialogue's central theme of women's political participation.
Continuing HID Awolowo's Legacy
Despite the somber circumstances, the Foundation reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing crucial national discussions about women's political participation. This area was central to HID Awolowo's lifelong advocacy and remains a priority for the organization bearing her name.
The dialogue marks thirty years since the landmark Beijing Conference on women's rights, making this conversation particularly significant in assessing Nigeria's progress and challenges in women's political representation. The Foundation emphasized that continuing this important work honors both HID Awolowo's legacy and the values that Segun Awolowo embodied throughout his life.
The organization expressed confidence that the adjusted format would maintain the dialogue's impact while appropriately acknowledging the family's loss. Both physical and virtual participants are expected to contribute meaningfully to what promises to be a significant national conversation about women's role in Nigerian politics.
