Olusegun “Segun” Awolowo Jr. was a prominent Nigerian lawyer and public servant who carried forward the political and social legacy of his grandfather, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Best known for his leadership at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and his role in regional trade promotion, Segun Awolowo’s career blended law, public administration, and trade development.
Data
- Full Name: Olusegun Ayodele Awolowo Jr.
- Stage Name: –
- Born: 27 September 1963
- Age: 62 (at the time of death)
- Death: 20 November 2025
- Birthplace: Nigeria
- State of Origin: Ogun State
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Occupation: Lawyer, Public Servant, Former CEO of NEPC
- Parents: Oluwole Awolowo (Father), (Mother’s name not publicly available)
Early life and family background
Segun Awolowo was born on 27 September 1963. He was a grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s most influential nationalist leaders, and grew up within a family known for public service and political engagement.
Raised with a strong sense of civic duty and the value of education, Segun’s upbringing combined traditional Nigerian values and exposure to national politics through his family’s history.
Education and legal training
Segun Awolowo trained as a lawyer. He completed his legal education and was called to the bar in December 1989. Early in his career he worked with established law firms, gaining experience in corporate and public-sector legal matters.
Early career and public service
After being called to the bar, Segun worked with law firms and later entered public service in advisory and administrative roles. He served in various capacities, including roles connected to legal due diligence and traditional institutions, and held appointments within federal agencies. His legal expertise and family legacy positioned him as a trusted figure in government circles.
Leadership at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
In November 2013, Segun Awolowo was appointed Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). He served in that leadership position through 2021, overseeing programs meant to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and support export-ready businesses. During his tenure he pushed for greater competitiveness of Nigerian products in regional and global markets and worked to strengthen the institutional capacity of the NEPC.
Under his leadership the NEPC engaged in trade promotion activities, export facilitation and collaboration with regional trade bodies — positioning Nigeria to better access ECOWAS and global markets.
Regional trade role and international recognition
Beyond the NEPC, Segun Awolowo gained recognition at the regional level. In July 2021, he was unanimously elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) from ECOWAS member states — a role that signaled his peers’ confidence in his ability to coordinate trade-promotion efforts across West Africa.
This election highlighted his shift from national administration to regional trade diplomacy and advocacy — helping align export strategies and cross-border trade initiatives among member states.
Other notable public roles and private practice
Before and after public appointments, Segun practiced law in private firms and served in advisory capacities to government institutions. His legal background informed his approach to institutional reform, regulatory consultation, and policy implementation related to trade and development.
Death and immediate legacy
Olusegun Segun Awolowo passed away on 20 November 2025 at the age of 62. His death prompted tributes from colleagues across law, trade, and public service circles who remembered him for his commitment to public development and the continuation of the Awolowo family’s public-minded tradition.
Impact and contributions
Segun Awolowo’s main legacy lies in three areas:
- Trade promotion and export development — strengthening NEPC’s outreach and export support programs.
- Regional cooperation — chairing and coordinating trade-promotion efforts across ECOWAS TPOs.
- Legal and administrative competence — bringing legal rigor to public-sector roles and advisories.
Personal life
Segun preferred to keep his personal life relatively private compared to the public profile of his grandfather. He is remembered as a figure who combined professional attention to detail with the public-minded values of the Awolowo name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was Segun Awolowo born?
He was born on 27 September 1963.
What was Segun Awolowo’s most notable public role?
He was Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) from November 2013 to 2021.
Is Segun Awolowo related to Chief Obafemi Awolowo?
Yes — Segun (Olusegun Awolowo Jr.) was a grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Did Segun Awolowo hold any regional trade positions?
Yes — in July 2021 he was elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) for ECOWAS member states.
When did Segun Awolowo die?
He died on 20 November 2025.
What was Segun Awolowo’s professional background?
He was a trained lawyer who worked in private practice and later served in government roles, including leadership at NEPC.
Conclusion
Segun Awolowo’s life was a blend of legal practice, public service, and regional trade advocacy. He carried the Awolowo name into contemporary institutions, focusing on practical trade promotion and institutional capacity-building. His stewardship at the NEPC and leadership among ECOWAS trade promotion organizations left a measurable footprint on Nigeria’s export agenda and regional trade coordination.
