Segun Awolowo, the grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s most respected statesmen, has passed away at the age of 62.

The Awolowo family announced his death in a statement on Thursday, describing him as a devoted family man and an outstanding public servant.

“With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Olusegun Awolowo,” the statement read.

“He was a phenomenal husband, father, and grandfather—wise, steady, and endlessly loving. He remained the anchor of our family and a deeply loyal servant of Nigeria. Throughout his life, he served the nation with vision, integrity, passion, and commitment. He was not only a true family man but also a trusted friend, a faithful servant of God, and a genuinely remarkable human being.”

The family did not disclose the cause of his death.

Segun Awolowo served as the Executive Director and CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) from 2013 to 2022, where he was widely recognised for advancing non-oil exports and enhancing Nigeria’s trade profile globally.

In July 2021, he was unanimously elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs), representing ECOWAS member states. In 2023, he was appointed Secretary of the National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting his enduring dedication to economic integration and trade development across Africa.