The Segun Awolowo I Knew

Segun Awolowo went to be with the Lord, on November 20, 2025. This emotionally laden Tribute to him by Dr Ezra Yakusak, his immediate successor as Executive Director/CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), who worked closely with him, gives an insight to whom Segun Awolowo was, as a Boss, a Colleague, and most importantly, as a person. May his soul rest in peace

Introduction

The news of the demise of Mr Segun Awolowo shook me beyond my imagination. I knew he was sick, but I had no premonition that he will leave us this soon.

A Shaky Start

My first contact with Segun Awolowo was in November 2013 when he assumed duty as the Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. A few weeks into his tenure, I went to visit him in his office to formally introduce myself as the Legal Adviser of the NEPC. The moment I stepped into the office, I perceived something was wrong. It appeared that my presence made him uneasy and uncomfortable. His response to my greeting was anything but courteous. Based on my experience in the public service, I knew that someone  must have  told him negative things about me that influenced his reaction towards me. I was no stranger to the Public Service, and its antics of backstabbing and mudslinging. I left his office unperturbed. I  never visited him again. In fact, I deliberately avoided him until it became absolutely necessary for us to meet. My principle was that my work will speak for me.

The relationship got more strained when I was asked to handle a particular project. I had a contrary opinion and this further widened the already existing gulf between us. I kept my space until he called me on phone and verbally queried my position on the issue. I explained the rationale behind my “dissenting and unpopular”  submission. I told him my job was to protect the system, and also protect him. I reiterated that as professional colleagues, I would not want to see him being misled by people who were poised in achieving their pecuniary interest. I insisted on my position, and told him that as CEO he could overrule me in the file, but should be ready for the consequences that may arise from that decision. He listened attentively, and eventually agreed with my position. The issue was resolved, and laid to rest.

Two years later, a plethora of petitions were written against him by some aggrieved staff of the NEPC who failed the 2015 promotion exams. The petitions which were widely  publicised in both the conventional and social media, were premised on half truths or outright lies. Interestingly, one of the main issues that was raised in that petition was the same issue I had earlier taken the “uncompromising” position  he never liked. Unknown to the petitioners, the matter had been adequately and procedurally handled, with a Ministerial approval to back up the action.

The Beginning of a Wonderful Working Relationship

When the petition was brought to his attention, Mr Awolowo  called me to his office and gave me a bear hug. He thanked me profusely for being a brother and a friend, and for insisting on my position, despite the pressure he mounted on me. That was the beginning of a wonderful working relationship with Mr Awolowo. He later informed me that, he thanked God he listened to his inner spirit. According to him, based on the “information” he received, he was to redeploy me outside Abuja, far away from headquarters. This “information” explained his initial reaction, when he first assumed office at the NEPC. Coincidentally, I was to later succeed him as both Executive Director/CEO of the NEPC and President of the ECOWAS TPO Network in 2021.

Papa Awolowo’s Influence on Him

While working with him, I realised that he was a very humane and easy going  person that loves life. His views about life were largely influenced by his grandfather, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, SAN. He shared how his grandfather insisted, that he must school in Nigeria. He deeply appreciated his grandfather for that singular decision, “where would I have seen my beautiful and caring wife, if not for Papa’s decision”, he would often say.

I believe that Papa Awolowo’s influence on him reflected on the way he accepted and worked with everyone, without first determining their tribe or religion. The Segun Awolowo I worked with, was a true Nigerian that was highly detribalised. For the years we worked together, until his death, none of his personal staff were from his ethnic affiliation – the drivers, cook, orderlies, security, etc.

Amiable and Humorous

One of the virtues you couldn’t take away from late Mr Awolowo, was his amiable and humorous spirit. I remember each time we chatted about something risky, he will jokingly scream “Ah Ezra, leave me alone oh, na only me my Mama get”. In his jovial moments, Mr Awolowo doesn’t only smile, but laughed hard. His laughter was simply infectious, as he would laugh heartily with his mouth wide open and his head bending backwards.

The Emotional Side

As CEO of NEPC, one could easily mis-judge Mr Awolowo as a very hard and uncompromising personality, because of his work ethics. However, the Segun Awolowo I knew and worked with had an inner softness, and was sometimes very emotional. In December, 2016, during the launch of my daughter’s book

“After they Left”, he obtained a copy which he intended to read during the Christmas period. On his return from the Christmas break, he invited me to his office and “insulted” me for “ruining” his Christmas. Enquiring further, he told me that he literally cried when he read through the book. He confessed that the plot and intrigues struck a cord with him, and the characters came alive impacting him deeply.

The second instance Mr Awolowo exhibited his emotional side, was after the expiration of his eight year tenure as CEO of NEPC. As his successor, I visited him along with some of the Management staff in his Abuja home. By the time we left, he couldn’t hold back his tears. He was deeply moved by our presence. I cannot remember how many times he thanked me, for that visit.

Appreciative, Generous and Compassionate

Segun Awolowo is one of the few people I know that is highly appreciative. A seemingly “insignificant” gift would attract shower of gratefulness from him. He was mostly likely to show off that gift, and appreciate you each time he uses it. I vividly remember him sending me his picture with a top Government functionary with the caption “see how your suit fits. Thank you my brother”.

As I write, I recall Mr Awolowo’s generous spirit. I still have some cuff links, ties and many other memorabilia he bought for me during his trips abroad. How can I forget the fact that, he paid off the medical bills I incurred for a surgery I had in year 2020. The Awolowo I knew was not only generous, but also compassionate.

On 15th October, 2025, Mr Segun Awolowo called me from his sick bed, after hearing that my 34 year old son was also sick. He expressed deep concern about my son’s ill-health and told me not to worry, assuring me that my son will be well. In an emotion laden voice, he lamented that “some of us as parents can go through this, but not our children, certainly not your son”. In a tone that was weak, feeble and yet so caring, Mr Awolowo requested for my bank account details, so that he could assist in defraying my son’s medical bills. I was moved to tears. I couldn’t comprehend, such profound love and generosity. This was a man that was terminally ill, almost helpless and barely audible, yet, his focus, thoughts and attention was to provide me some financial assistance, and ensure that my son gets adequate medical attention. Despite his insistence, I respectfully declined the offer.

That day, as we spoke and bade farewell, I had no idea that would  be the last time I would hear his voice. As fate would have it, my son and Mr Awolowo both passed to the great beyond in the same month of November 2025, and within two weeks interval.

If I ever had an iota of pride or haughtiness in me, my son and Mr Segun Awolowo’s death completely erased that and humbled me completely. Farewell, my Boss, my predecessor and my friend. Rest in perfect peace.

Ezra Yakusak, PhD, Immediate Past Executive Director/CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council