By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Governors of Lagos and Ogun States, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Friday, attended the funeral service of the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Olusegun Awolowo.
The Awolowos: Grandfather, grandson, grandmother. In the middle is Olusegun Awolowo, who passed away on November 20, 2025.
Also present at the ceremony for the grandson of the late statesman and former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, were former Senate President Bukola Saraki and his wife, Toyin; former Governors James Ibori (Delta), Adeniyi Adebayo (Ekiti), and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun); alongside several serving and former public officials and other distinguished Nigerians.
The funeral service took place at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, and was officiated by the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria, The Rt Revd Ifedola Okupevi.
The gathering drew Anglican bishops and clergy, traditional and religious leaders, political figures, captains of industry, entrepreneurs, and associates of the late NEPC boss.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to Awolowo, describing him as a patriot who gave his best in service to the nation.
He said: “Segun served Nigeria with an exceptional passion and unending dedication. From his earliest days as a Special Assistant to the President, through his distinguished tenure as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, he pursued his objectives with discipline and purpose and achieved real success for our country.
“His latter service as Secretary of the National Committee for the African Continental Free Trade Area underscored his belief in a future for Nigeria and Africa built on 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 President prayed that God would comfort Awolowo’s widow, children, and the entire family—especially his mother, Hajia Abba Folawiyo—granting them the strength to bear the loss and “to remember Segun as he was, a good man who lived well.”
In his tribute, Governor Sanwo-Olu reflected on Awolowo’s dedication and humility.
He said: “He worked with quiet dignity and unwavering conviction and had an uncommon devotion and dedication to the Nigerian dream. We gather to honour our father, brother, grandfather, friend and a true Nigerian.
“Mr Olusegun Omotunde Kofi Awolowo Jr, a son of legacy, a servant of our nation, a pillar of his generation and indeed a man of deep humility. Our friend and brother, Olusegun, was not just a public figure. He was a bridge between history and the future, between ideal and action, and between his illustrious lineage and the ordinary people that he truly cared for.
“We grew up knowing the real Awolowo family, of which our friend and brother stood tall. But if you also recall in that lineage, Segun Awolowo was not just outstanding; he was indeed a true icon coming from that name.”
The Governor extended condolences to the bereaved family, particularly the widow, Adebola, noting that the late Awolowo died on 20 November at the age of 62.
Delivering the sermon, the Vicar of Our Saviour’s Church and Archdeacon of Ikoyi Archdeaconry, The Ven Folorunso Agbelusi, described Awolowo as a man who upheld the family’s legacy with honour.
He stated that the late technocrat sustained the Awolowo name and contributed in ways that left the family and the nation proud.
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