Segun Awolowo lived a meaningful life filled with service to Nigeria. Born on 27 September 1963 and passing away on 20 November 2025 at the age of 62, he was the grandson of the famous Nigerian leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Many people called him a quiet giant who worked hard to grow Nigeria’s economy, especially through non-oil exports and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This biography tells his story in a simple way: from a difficult childhood to becoming a respected lawyer, public servant, author, and family man.
Early Life
Segun Awolowo never met his father. His father, Segun Awolowo Senior, died in a car accident on the Lagos-Ibadan road on 10 July 1963, two months before Segun was born. His mother also passed away when he was very young. He was raised by his aunt, Mrs Tola Oyediran, and her husband, Professor Kayode Oyediran, in Ikenne, Ogun State. Growing up in the family house of Chief Obafemi Awolowo gave him strong values of education, honesty, and love for Nigeria from an early age. Even though he lost both parents, he grew up surrounded by love and discipline.
Education
Segun started his education at Maryhill Convent School in Ibadan. One of his classmates there was Dolapo Adegbite, who later became the wife of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He continued secondary school at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, and later finished at Government College, Ibadan. After secondary school, he studied Law at the university and was called to the Nigerian Bar in December 1989. He also trained in electrical and electronic engineering for a short time, showing that he liked learning many things. Friends from school remember him as brilliant, friendly, and always ready to help others.
Career
Segun Awolowo’s career lasted over thirty years and touched many areas of Nigerian public life.
He began as a private lawyer. He worked with respected law firms such as Abayomi Sogbesan & Co and GOK Ajayi & Co, where he handled company law and legal advice.
In 2003, he joined government service as Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo on legal matters and traditional institutions. He continued in similar advisory roles under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from 2007 to 2010.
From 2013 to 2022, he served as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). This was the period when many Nigerians noticed his biggest achievements. He created the “Zero Oil Plan” to help Nigeria earn more money from products other than oil, such as cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew, and leather. Under his leadership, non-oil exports grew from about $2.3 billion in 2016 to over $4.8 billion in 2020.
In 2023, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as the Secretary of the National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In this role, he worked to prepare Nigeria to trade more easily with other African countries.
Throughout his career, he served different presidents from different political parties, showing that he was a professional who put Nigeria first.
Personal Life
Segun Awolowo was a devoted family man. He was married and had children and grandchildren. His family described him as “the world’s most phenomenal husband, father, and grandfather”. One of his daughters, Seun Awolowo, is a motivational speaker and the founder of Teach-A-Girl Nigeria, an organization that helps girls get education. Segun was a Christian who lived a simple and honest life. He loved reading, writing, and spending quiet time with his family.
Authorship and Thought Leadership
Segun believed that young Nigerians could become successful through hard work and the right mindset. He wrote two helpful books:
The Budding CEO – a simple guide for young people who want to start and grow businesses. The Budding Millionaire – practical steps on how to create and manage wealth.
He was a member of the International Resource Center in the United States and the Institute of Enterprise Management and Analytics. Many people invited him to speak at schools and conferences because his words were clear, kind, and full of wisdom.
Legacy and Reflections
On 20 November 2025, Segun Awolowo passed away. Many leaders across Nigeria mourned him. Senate President Godswill Akpabio called it “a profound loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria”. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described him as “a courageous and selfless public servant”. President Bola Tinubu said Segun carried the Awolowo name with dignity in appearance, character, and service.
His greatest legacy is the work he did to make Nigeria depend less on oil. The programs he started at NEPC and AfCFTA are still helping Nigerian farmers, factory owners, and young business people sell their goods to the world.
Conclusion
Segun Awolowo showed that a person can rise above a difficult beginning and still serve his country with excellence. He never sought fame, yet his quiet work touched millions of lives. As Nigeria continues the journey toward economic growth and African unity, the ideas and projects Segun put in place will keep guiding the country for many years. His life reminds every Nigerian that one person with focus, honesty, and love for country can make a real difference.
FAQs
Who was Segun Awolowo’s grandfather?
He was the grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of the Western Region and a major Nigerian nationalist.
When and how did Segun Awolowo die?
He passed away on 20 November 2025 at the age of 62. The exact cause has not been made public by the family.
What was Segun Awolowo’s most important job?
Many people consider his time as CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) from 2013 to 2022 as his most important role because he greatly increased non-oil exports.
Is Segun Awolowo related to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo?
Yes, indirectly. They were childhood classmates, and Yemi Osinbajo later married Dolapo, who was Segun’s classmate and friend from primary school.
Did Segun Awolowo write any books?
Yes, he wrote The Budding CEO and The Budding Millionaire to teach young people about business and wealth creation.
What is Segun Awolowo’s connection to AfCFTA?
He served as the Secretary of the National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area in 2023, helping Nigeria prepare for bigger trade across Africa.
How many children did Segun Awolowo have?
The family has not shared the exact number publicly, but he was a father and grandfather, and one of his daughters is Seun Awolowo, a known motivational speaker.
