Fatimah Otunsanya
The funeral service for the grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Segun Awolowo, was graced by high-profile dignitaries on Friday.
The dignitaries joined family, friends and associates of the deceased at the solemn service held at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos State.
Among the prominent attendees 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, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, delivered a tribute at the service emphasising Awolowo’s dedication to national service.
He was quoted as saying, “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, achieving 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.”
Sharing photos from the event on X on Friday, Sanwo-Olu noted that 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,” he wrote.
In a separate post, Saraki remembered Awolowo as the “very definition of a good man.”
His character was impeccable, and his influence was profound. Though we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing he lived a life of purpose and service. He will be dearly missed,” Saraki wrote.
Other eminent Nigerians reported to be in attendance included former Governors James Ibori (Delta), Adeniyi Adebayo (Ekiti), and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), alongside various Anglican Bishops and Priests, traditional and religious leaders, and captains of industry.
NigeriaTodayTimes reports that the Awolowo family announced Segun’s death on November 20. He was 62.