Segun Awolowo often referred to as Olusegun Awolowo Jr. was a prominent Nigerian lawyer and public servant whose work significantly impacted the nation’s trade and export trajectory. As a grandson of the legendary Obafemi Awolowo, Segun carried forward a legacy of public service and national development. This article walks you through his life story, career achievements, financial standing, and lasting legacy.
Biography
Early Life & Family Background
Segun Awolowo was born on 27 September 1963. His birth came two months after the tragic death of his father, Segun Awolowo Sr., who died in a car accident on the old Ibadan–Lagos road at age 25. As a result, his early childhood was shaped by this early loss; he lived initially with his mother and siblings, then later under the care of his aunt and uncle, Prof. and Mrs. Oyediran.
Segun’s upbringing in a family deeply rooted in Nigeria’s political and social history influenced his path. His grandfather, Obafemi Awolowo, was one of Nigeria’s most influential nationalist leaders and that heritage followed through.
Education
He began his education at Maryhill Convent School, under the care of Prof. and Mrs. Oyediran. For secondary education, he attended Igbobi College in Yaba, Lagos State, then completed his secondary schooling at Government College, Ibadan.
Segun went on to study law at Ogun State University (now known as Olabisi Onabanjo University), Ago Iwoye, earning an LLB degree. Later, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in December 1989, formally entering the legal profession.
Personal Life
Segun was married to Bola Awolowo. Together, they had children. According to public statements from his family after his death, he was remembered as a “steady, wise, endlessly loving husband, father and grandfather.”
Tragically, Segun Awolowo passed away on 20 November 2025, at the age of 62.
Career Overview
Segun Awolowo’s career combined legal training, government service, and economic diplomacy. His journey reflects dedication to national development and economic diversification.
Early Legal Career & Entry into Public Service
After being called to the bar, Segun worked with respected law firms such as Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and GOK Ajayi & Co., building his foundation in legal practice.
He later moved into public service. Under President Olusegun Obasanjo, he served as Special Assistant on Traditional Institutions, Legal Due Diligence, and Legal Matters. Subsequently, during the administration of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, he held roles in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), including Secretary for Social Development and Secretary for Transport (2007–2011).
Leadership at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
Segun’s most notable role began in 2013, when he was appointed Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of NEPC under President Goodluck Jonathan. In 2018 he was reappointed under President Muhammadu Buhari, a strong sign of trust in his leadership across administrations.
Under his leadership, NEPC championed the shift from oil-dependent economy to diversified non‑oil export focus. He was a key architect of the ambitious Zero Oil Plan, a long-term effort to expand Nigeria’s non-oil export capacity, boost foreign exchange earnings, and stimulate job creation.
He emphasized a broad export basket, including agriculture (cocoa, cashew, rice), manufacturing, solid minerals and other non-oil sectors aiming to wean Nigeria off its dependence on crude oil.
One of the major outcomes of his tenure was increased collaboration among government institutions and trade bodies to implement export‑driven strategies. He facilitated partnerships with institutions such as the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and NEXIM Bank among others.
Regional Influence and Continental Trade Engagement
In July 2021, Segun was unanimously elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) for member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He also played a leading role in Nigeria’s engagement with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), serving as Secretary of Nigeria’s National Action Committee on AfCFTA, coordinating national efforts to position Nigeria for continental trade opportunities.
Controversies and Criticisms
In publicly available records and media reporting, there are no widely documented controversies or major scandals directly associated with Segun Awolowo’s name. His career was generally depicted as committed, principled, and driven by public service.
That said, realizing the goals of the Zero Oil Plan and non‑oil export diversification is a massive undertaking. Some analysts and media outlets have pointed out challenges, such as infrastructural bottlenecks, export‑value chain issues, and systemic bureaucracies, that have made the ambition hard to meet. While not direct criticism of him personally, the limitations of those broader structural problems sometimes raise questions about how much progress such plans can achieve.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Public records on Segun Awolowo’s personal net worth are scarce and not independently verified. One online biography estimates his net worth in 2025 at around US$2 million.
It is unclear how rigorous this estimate is, because major wealth assessments for public officials in Nigeria are rarely based on transparent, audited disclosures. As such, this figure should be seen as speculative rather than definitive.
Legacy and Significance
Segun Awolowo leaves behind a legacy marked by dedicated service, economic vision, and a firm belief in Nigeria’s potential beyond oil. His leadership at NEPC and championing of the Zero Oil Plan sought to reset the country’s economic trajectory, aiming for diversified exports, job creation, and sustainable growth. Many young entrepreneurs and exporters still cite the policies and frameworks developed during his tenure as the foundation for their engagement in non‑oil export business.
Moreover, his regional influence, particularly via ECOWAS trade networks and AfCFTA engagement, highlights his commitment to positioning Nigeria not just as a national actor but as a key player in continental trade.
At a personal level, Segun was widely remembered as humble, family‑oriented, and deeply committed to public service, qualities that echo the ethos of his grandfather’s legacy.
His death in November 2025 at age 62 drew tributes from across Nigeria’s political, business, and social spheres, with many describing his passing as a grave loss to the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Segun Awolowo?
Segun Awolowo (Olusegun Awolowo Jr.) was a Nigerian lawyer and public servant. He served as Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and later as President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations for ECOWAS member states.
2. When was Segun Awolowo born and when did he die?
He was born on 27 September 1963. He passed away on 20 November 2025, at the age of 62.
3. What was Segun Awolowo’s educational background?
He attended Maryhill Convent School for primary education, then Igbobi College (Lagos) and Government College, Ibadan for secondary school. He studied law at Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University) and earned an LLB degree.
4. What is the Zero Oil Plan associated with Segun Awolowo?
The Zero Oil Plan is a strategy championed during Segun’s tenure at NEPC aiming to shift Nigeria’s economy away from oil dependence by boosting non‑oil exports. The plan targeted sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and solid minerals and aimed to generate foreign exchange, create jobs, and diversify the economy.
5. What notable positions did Segun Awolowo hold?
- Executive Director / CEO of NEPC (2013–2021)
- President of ECOWAS National Trade Promotion Organisations (from 2021 until his death in 2025)
- Secretary of Nigeria’s National Action Committee on AfCFTA (post‑NEPC)
6. Was Segun Awolowo involved in controversies?
There are no major publicly documented controversies or scandals tied directly to him. Media accounts and tributes largely praise his integrity, humility, and commitment to service.
7. What was Segun Awolowo’s net worth?
One online source estimates his net worth at around US$2 million in 2025. However, this figure is unverified and should be taken as a rough approximation rather than an official valuation.
Conclusion
Segun Awolowo’s life was one of quiet dedication, legal expertise, and economic vision. Through his leadership, Nigeria’s export sector saw renewed ambition, grounded in a desire to build a diversified, stable economy. More than that, he embodied values of humility, family, service, and national pride.
Disclaimer: This biography is compiled from publicly available information and is meant solely for informational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, certain details may vary or be open to interpretation.
