Segun Awolowo, the grandson of Obafemi Awolowo, former premier of Western Nigeria, has died at the age of 62.
His family confirmed the news on Thursday, describing him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose life was anchored on service to Nigeria and commitment to the public good.
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“With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather Olusegun Awolowo,” the family said in a statement. “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.”
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The family did not disclose the cause of death.
Awolowo held several roles in public service and became widely known for his work in trade promotion and economic development. He served as executive director and chief executive officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2022, where he pushed for Nigeria to expand its export base and strengthen non oil revenue.
In 2021, he was unanimously elected president of the National Trade Promotion Organisations drawn from ECOWAS member states, a position that placed him at the centre of regional discussions on trade reform.
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In 2023, former Nigeria president Muhammadu Buhari appointed him secretary of the national action committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area, a role that deepened his involvement in efforts to integrate African markets and increase continental commerce.
