Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has expressed deep shock and sadness over the passing of Olusegun Awolowo Jr., describing the development as a painful loss to the nation.
Awolowo, a lawyer and grandson of the late nationalist Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was announced dead by his family on Thursday.
In a statement issued on Friday, Senator Dafinone said the news came to him as a personal blow, noting that his relationship with the former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) extended beyond professional collaboration.
“The passing of Segun is a personal loss to me,” the senator said. “Our paths crossed in the course of national service, and through years of close collaboration, we became friends.”
Dafinone recalled working closely with Awolowo during his tenure at the NEPC between 2013 and 2021, a period during which the senator served as a Director at NEXIM Bank and Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Group (MANEG).
He said their shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s non-oil export agenda formed the basis of a relationship that later evolved into a meaningful friendship.
He described Awolowo as a visionary, dedicated, and patriotic public servant whose contributions significantly shaped Nigeria’s economic landscape.
“Segun was exceptional, humble, warm, brilliant, and committed to national progress,” Dafinone said. “His leadership at NEPC and his tireless work in promoting Nigeria’s non-oil export agenda left an indelible mark.”
The senator extended condolences to the Awolowo family, the Ogun State government, and Nigerians at large, praying for comfort for the bereaved family and eternal rest for the deceased.
