The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ede Dafinone, has described as a huge loss the passing of the former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Olusegun Awolowo Jr.
The late Olusegun Awolowo Jr. was the grandson late nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He passed at the age of 62 after a brief illness.
In a statement on Friday, Senator Dafinone mourned the death of Segun Awolowo, a lawyer and renowned businessman in the country.
The Delta Central lawmaker noted that the passing of Segun whom he had worked closely for years was a personal loss to him and the Dafinone family.
“I am shocked to hear the news of the passing of Olusegun Awolowo Jr., a resourceful lawyer and grandson of the late nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His death, announced by the Awolowo family on Thursday, is a painful loss not only to his family but also to all who knew him and appreciated his remarkable contributions to national development.
“The passing of Segun is a personal loss to me. Our paths crossed in the course of national service, and through years of close collaboration, we became friends. I worked closely with him during his tenure as Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) from 2013 to 2021, while I served as a Director in NEXIM Bank and Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Group (MANEG). What began as a professional relationship grew into a meaningful friendship built on mutual respect and shared commitment to Nigeria’s economic progress.
“Segun was an exceptional public servant—visionary, dedicated, and deeply patriotic. His leadership at NEPC and his tireless work in promoting Nigeria’s non-oil export agenda left an indelible mark on the nation’s economic landscape. He carried himself with humility, warmth, and brilliance, qualities that endeared him to colleagues, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Awolowo family, the government and people of Ogun State, and all Nigerians mourning this great loss. May God grant his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss, and may the soul of Segun Awolowo Jr. find eternal rest”, the statement read.
