ABUJA/Nigeria: Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Olusegun Awolowo Jr., describing him as an exceptional public servant whose contributions to national development will be remembered for generations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Senator Dafinone said he received the news of Awolowo’s death with profound shock, noting that the loss was not only painful to the Awolowo family but to all who had come to appreciate his dedication to Nigeria’s economic advancement.
“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,” Dafinone stated.
He described Segun Awolowo Jr., a resourceful lawyer and grandson of late nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as visionary, dedicated, deeply patriotic and one whose leadership at NEPC transformed the non-oil export narrative of the country.
“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,” he added.
Senator Dafinone extended his heartfelt condolences to the Awolowo family, the government and people of Ogun State and all Nigerians mourning the loss of the distinguished public figure.
“May God grant his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss, and may the soul of Segun Awolowo Jr. find eternal rest,” he prayed.
