Segun Awolowo Biography

Segun Awolowo, born Olusegun Awolowo Jr., was a towering figure in Nigeria’s economic and public service space — not just because of his famous lineage as the grandson of the nationalist icon Chief Obafemi Awolowo, but because of his own achievements, character, and dedication. He passed away on 20 November 2025, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and quiet strength.

In this article, we’ll walk through his life story — from humble beginnings to professional accomplishments, the people he loved, and the impact he made.

Table of Contents

Early Life & Family Background

Segun Awolowo was born on 27 September 1963, into a family already steeped in history and national importance. He was the grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s foremost statesmen and nationalists.

His father, also named Segun Awolowo (Sr.), died in a tragic traffic accident when Segun Jr. was not yet born. He never had the chance to know his dad — he was born about two months after his father’s passing.

Growing up, he was primarily raised by his mother and by his aunt and uncle, Tola and Kayode Oyediran, who looked after him in his formative years.

Childhood Challenges

Being born after his father’s death meant Segun’s childhood was shaped by early loss and the influences of extended family. His aunt and uncle took him in, giving him stability, while his mother remained in his life as well

Yet these challenges did not define him. Instead, they seemed to instill in him a deep sense of purpose, humility, and a commitment to service — traits that would follow him throughout his life.

Education Journey

Segun’s education was solid and formative, setting the stage for his future achievements.

He started at Maryhill Convent School, where he studied under the care of Prof. and Mrs. Oyediran.
He then moved to Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, for part of his secondary education.
He completed secondary school at Government College, Ibadan.
For higher education, he attended Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye), where he graduated with an LLB degree.

Following that, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in December 1989, marking the beginning of his legal career.

Legal Career Beginnings

After being called to the bar, Segun worked with prominent law firms including Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and GOK Ajayi & Co

This phase of his life was foundational: he honed his legal skills, built networks, and developed the professionalism that would carry him into national service.

Entry into Public Service

Segun’s commitment to public service became evident when he joined the government:

Under President Olusegun Obasanjo, he served as Special Assistant on Traditional Institutions, Legal Due Diligence, and Legal Matters.
Later, under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, he continued as Special Assistant, working within the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in roles including Secretary for Social Development and Secretary of Transport (2007–2011).

These roles showed his versatility — not just as a lawyer, but as someone who could help shape public policy, development, and administration.

NEPC Leadership

Perhaps his most defining public service role was his tenure at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

He was appointed Executive Director / CEO of NEPC in November 2013.
He remained in that leadership role until 2021, making him one of the longest-serving executives in NEPC history.
During his time, he championed non-oil export growth, believing deeply in Nigeria’s potential beyond dependence on oil.

His leadership was widely praised — not just for strategy, but for being principled, long-term, and visionary.

ECOWAS Trade Role

In addition to his work at NEPC, Segun was recognized on a regional level.

In July 2021, he was elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) from ECOWAS member states.
This role underscored his influence not just in Nigeria, but across West Africa, as someone invested in expanding trade and promoting economic cooperation in the region.

Personal Life: Wife & Children

Family was central to who Segun Awolowo was.

He was married and had two children
One of his children is his daughter Seun, who is known as a motivational speaker and runs an NGO called Teach-A-Girl Nigeria, focused on girl-child education.
Although the public statement announcing his death mentioned his family (wife, children, and even grandchildren), details about his wife are kept private — the family did not publicly disclose her name.

He was described by his family as a “phenomenal husband, father, and grandfather … steady, wise, endlessly loving.”

Relationship with His Mother & Heritage

Segun’s mother was Sisi Abah Folawiyo, a well-known socialite

His connection to the Awolowo legacy ran deep:

As the grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s founding-nationalist leaders, his life carried symbolic weight
Several tributes noted how he “exemplified the Awolowo pedigree” — not just in his family tree, but in his character, his sense of justice, and his approach to public service.

Vision, Values & Leadership Style

Segun was widely admired for a leadership style rooted in humility, integrity, and deep devotion.

He believed in servant leadership: serving his country with vision, passion, and commitment
He was known for being calm, soft-spoken, yet firm in principle.
His work at NEPC showed his belief in Nigeria’s non-oil sector — he saw opportunity in trade, in exporting Nigeria’s goods, and in helping local producers reach global markets.

In a way, he was like a gardener nurturing a diverse garden: patiently cultivating Nigeria’s export potential, planting seeds, pruning when needed, and believing that with care, the garden would flourish.

Circumstances of His Passing

On 20 November 2025, Segun Awolowo passed away at the age of 62

The family’s announcement described a profound loss: “With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather …”
Though earlier hinted by some sources to be a car accident, the formal family statements focus on mourning his life rather than sensationalizing the circumstances.

Reactions & Legacy

The news of his death was met with heartfelt condolences from across Nigeria:

President Bola Tinubu described it as a “tragic loss” — saying Segun exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in character and commitment.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun called him a “gentleman par excellence, consummate public servant,” and lamented the shock of his loss.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq said Segun was a “great friend … whose company everyone cherished” and praised both his public service and his devotion to family.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) – Oyo Group expressed that his death was “a monumental national loss,” emphasizing his integrity and reforming spirit

In public life, he left behind a strengthened NEPC, deeper regional trade ties, and a model of leadership that many admired.

Lessons from His Life

Segun Awolowo’s life offers several enduring lessons:

Resilience in early loss: Despite being born after his father’s death, he grew into someone capable, confident, and influential.
Service over self: His long public service career shows a commitment to the common good, beyond personal gain.
Visionary thinking: He believed in diversifying Nigeria’s economy, especially through non-oil exports.
Humility and family: He valued his role as husband, father, and grandfather, describing family as his anchor.
Regional cooperation matters: His ECOWAS role reminds us that individual nations flourish more when they trade, collaborate, and build bridges.

Conclusion

Segun Awolowo was more than a grandson of a great nationalist — he was a leader in his own right: a lawyer, public servant, and visionary. Through his decades of work, especially at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, he strove to open new economic paths for Nigeria and to strengthen trade within West Africa. He combined the dignity of his family legacy with a personal passion for service.

His passing in November 2025 left a deep void in Nigeria’s public life, but his legacy — of humility, vision, and dedication — continues to inspire. As the nation remembers him, we can reflect on how one life, quietly lived but powerfully directed, can influence many.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who was Segun Awolowo?
Segun Awolowo (Olusegun Awolowo Jr.) was a Nigerian lawyer and public servant, known for his role as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and as President of ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organizations.

2. When did Segun Awolowo pass away?
He passed away on 20 November 2025, at the age of 62.

3. Who are Segun Awolowo’s family members?
Segun was married and had two children. One of them is his daughter, Seun, who is a motivational speaker and leads an NGO. His mother was Sisi Abah Folawiyo.

4. What was his educational background?
He began at Maryhill Convent School, studied at Igbobi College in Lagos, then completed secondary school at Government College, Ibadan. He earned an LLB from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University).

5. What legacy did he leave behind?
Segun’s legacy includes strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, promoting regional trade in ECOWAS, and embodying servant leadership. Many remember him for his humility, integrity, and lifelong commitment to public service

Segun Awolowo Biography – Wife, Children, Education & Legacy