Bolaji Idowu
The funeral service of Segun Awolowo, grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), held on Friday at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, was attended by top political leaders and eminent Nigerians.
Among the dignitaries present were former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; former Senate President Bukola Saraki and his wife, Toyin; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, paid glowing tribute to the late Awolowo, describing him as a dedicated public servant who served the nation with passion and discipline.
“Segun served Nigeria with exceptional passion and unending dedication. From his earliest days as Special Assistant to the President, through his distinguished service as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, he pursued his objectives with discipline and purpose, achieving real success for our country,” he said.
The President added that Awolowo’s later service as Secretary of the National Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area reflected his belief in Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic future through trade, collaboration and shared prosperity.
“He was a family man, a kind and gentle man who spoke to people’s hearts just as well as he did to their minds,” the tribute read.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a post shared on X on Friday, said Awolowo carried his family’s prominent legacy with grace while forging his own path.
“He served Nigeria with quiet strength, steady conviction and a rare commitment to the ideals he held dear. My thoughts are with his wife, Adebola, his children and the entire Awolowo family,” the governor wrote.
In a separate post, Saraki described the deceased as the “very definition of a good man,” praising his impeccable character and life of service.
Other notable Nigerians in attendance included former governors James Ibori (Delta), Adeniyi Adebayo (Ekiti) and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), alongside Anglican bishops and priests, traditional rulers, religious leaders and captains of industry.
Segun Awolowo died on November 20 at the age of 62.
