Segun Awolowo biography discover his life as a lawyer, NEPC CEO, trade-promotion leader, and his lasting impact on Nigeria’s export agenda.
- Key Highlights of Segun Awolowo Biography
- Early Life and Background
- Education and Academic Journey
- Career Journey and Major Achievements
- Early Career & Public Service
- Leadership at NEPC & the “Zero Oil” Plan
- Trade Promotion & African Integration
- Personal Life and Family
- Contributions to Society / Legacy
- Interesting Facts and Lesser-Known Details
- Conclusion
- FAQs about Segun Awolowo Biography
Olusegun “Segun” Awolowo Jr. was a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, public servant, and trade promoter who carried forward the legacy of his grandfather, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in his own impactful way. He dedicated much of his career to strengthening Nigeria’s export sector, championing economic diversification, and promoting intra-African trade. His leadership in the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and his advocacy for the “Zero Oil” vision underlined his belief in a future where Nigeria’s strength lay not just in crude oil, but in its creative and productive industries. Learning about Segun Awolowo’s journey reminded me that legacy is most powerful when paired with action — it’s not just about where you come from, but what you build.
Key Highlights of Segun Awolowo Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Olusegun “Segun” Awolowo Jr. |
| Date of Birth | September 27, 1963 |
| Date of Death | November 20, 2025 (aged 62) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Education | LLB, Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University) |
| Occupation | Lawyer, Public Servant, Trade Executive |
| Notable Role | Executive Director / CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) |
| Major Achievement | Launched the “Zero Oil” export diversification plan |
| Regional Leadership | President, NTPOs (ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisations) |
| Pan-Africa Role | Secretary, National Action Committee on AfCFTA |
| Legacy Focus | Economic diversification, strengthened Nigerian exports, trade-integration leadership |
Early Life and Background
Segun Awolowo Jr. was born on September 27, 1963, into one of Nigeria’s most influential political families — he was the grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a revered nationalist and statesman. From a young age, he was exposed to political ideas and public service ideals, deeply shaped by his grandfather’s legacy.
In school, Segun attended Mayhill Convent School for his early education, then moved on to Igbobi College in Lagos before completing his secondary education at Government College, Ibadan. His childhood was marked by a sense of purpose and expectation, growing up in a family known for its commitment to social justice and national development.
Achievements" loading="lazy" width="180" height="120">Education and Academic Journey
Segun pursued legal studies, earning an LLB degree from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University). After law school, he was called to the Bar in December 1989. His education gave him both the legal foundation and the credibility required to serve in public institutions and later lead trade and economic initiatives in Nigeria.
Career Journey and Major Achievements
Early Career & Public Service
After becoming a lawyer, Segun Awolowo worked in private law firms, including Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and GOK Ajayi & Co., building experience in legal practice. His legal skills and family background positioned him well for public roles, and he transitioned into government service.
Under President Olusegun Obasanjo, he served as Special Assistant on Traditional Institutions, Legal Due Diligence, and Legal Matters, working on governance and policy reform. Later, in President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration, he was appointed Special Assistant in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) where he served as Secretary for Social Development and Secretary for Transport between 2007 and 2011.
Leadership at NEPC & the “Zero Oil” Plan
In November 2013, under President Goodluck Jonathan, Segun Awolowo became the Executive Director / CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). He would serve in this role across different administrations — reappointed in 2018 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
One of his signature contributions was the Zero Oil Plan, introduced in 2016. This initiative aimed to shift Nigeria’s export strategy away from crude oil, focusing on non-oil sectors like agriculture (rice, cocoa, cashew), manufacturing, and solid minerals. His model emphasized value addition, job creation, and wealth generation through export of finished or semi-processed goods.
Under his leadership at NEPC, he forged key institutional partnerships — with national bodies and financial institutions — to scale up export capacity, expand Nigeria’s non-oil export footprint, and create a more resilient economic structure.
Trade Promotion & African Integration
Segun’s influence went beyond Nigeria. In July 2021, he was unanimously elected President of the National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) for ECOWAS member states, reflecting his regional stature and commitment to intra-West African trade. Then, in December 2022, he was appointed Secretary of Nigeria’s National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a strategic role aimed at coordinating Nigeria’s AfCFTA engagement and shaping national trade strategy.
Personal Life and Family
Segun Awolowo was widely respected not only for his professional achievements but also for his personal qualities. According to his family, he was “steady, wise, endlessly loving,” a devoted husband and father, and a servant of deep faith and humility. His character was often described as rooted in integrity, loyalty, and a strong sense of service — traits many said reflected the Awolowo legacy.
He carried the burden and privilege of being part of a notable political dynasty, yet he made the name his own through hard work, collaborative leadership, and a clear vision for Nigeria’s economic future.
Contributions to Society / Legacy
Segun Awolowo’s legacy lies in his visionary trade leadership and his role in reshaping Nigeria’s export economy:
His career reminds us that legacy is not just about heritage, but about applying values in ways that shape systems and build for the future.
Interesting Facts and Lesser-Known Details
Conclusion
The Segun Awolowo biography is the story of a man who carried a powerful name, but more importantly, gave it purpose in Nigeria’s economic transformation. His vision for a “Zero Oil” Nigeria was not merely rhetorical — he operationalized it through policy, partnerships, and leadership. In his roles at NEPC and on the continental stage, he worked to make Nigeria’s exports more diversified, resilient, and regionally integrated.
While his passing in 2025 marked the end of an era, his contributions remain a blueprint for future leaders: a reminder that service rooted in legacy, guided by innovation, and grounded in national development can leave lasting impact.
Minister, Professor & Life Story" loading="lazy" width="180" height="120">FAQs about Segun Awolowo Biography
1. Who was Segun Awolowo?
Segun Awolowo was a Nigerian lawyer and public servant, best known for leading the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and promoting trade diversification.
2. When did he serve as CEO of NEPC?
He first became Executive Director / CEO of NEPC in 2013 and was reappointed in 2018, serving until at least 2022.
3. What was the “Zero Oil” Plan?
The Zero Oil Plan, championed by Segun Awolowo, was a strategy to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports — from sectors like agriculture and manufacturing — to diversify foreign-exchange earnings.
4. What role did he play in African Continental trade?
He was appointed Secretary of Nigeria’s National Action Committee on AfCFTA, coordinating the country’s trade strategy for the African Continental Free Trade Area.
5. When did Segun Awolowo die?
He passed away on November 20, 2025, at the age of 62.
