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Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Grandson, Olusegun Awolowo Jr Dies At 62

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A grandson of the late Nigerian nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, is dead.

Olusegun, who was the former executive director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), died at the age of 62.

The Awolowo family confirmed his death in a statement on Thursday.

The statement reads in part: “with extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather — Olusegun Awolowo.

“He was the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family.

The family described him as a “painfully loyal servant to Nigeria” who dedicated his life to public service with vision, integrity, passion and unwavering commitment.

“He was a true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being. He loved his family. He loved his work. He loved his country. And he lived every day with purpose, humility and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him,” the statement added.

The family concluded by saying, “We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has described the passing of Mr. Olusegun Awolowo Jr. as a deeply profound personal loss.

The governor, in a condolence message, said the death of the lawyer and former Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council at 62 came as a rude shock.

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He described Awolowo Jr. as “a gentleman par excellence, a voice of courage, and a consummate public servant,” noting that he received the news “with utter disbelief” and will forever treasure memories of their acquaintance.

According to Abiodun, the deceased was “affable, highly intelligent, and extremely easy-going,” traits which endeared him to many and made his demise even more painful.

He said: “It is extremely hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone, but we submit unreservedly to the will of the Almighty God, who has called him to His bosom. We are deeply heartbroken, but we take consolation in the exemplary lessons his life taught us, for he was indeed a jolly good fellow.”

The governor noted that although Awolowo Jr. was born two months after the death of his father and was acquainted with grief from childhood, he rose above life’s challenges to become an icon in his own right.

He recalled that after being called to the Bar in December 1989, Awolowo worked with the law firms of Abayomi Sogbesan & Co. and GOK Ajayi & Co., before serving in the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Assistant on Traditional Institutions, Legal Due Diligence, and Legal Matters.

Abiodun added that his service as Special Assistant to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, as Secretary for Social Development, and later Secretary of Transport between 2007 and 2011, as well as his tenure as Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2021, remained exemplary and unblemished.

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He said Awolowo’s dedication to national development earned him the unanimous election, in July 2021, as President of National Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) from ECOWAS member state.

“His earthly sojourn may have been brief, but it was hugely impactful,” the governor stated.

Prince Abiodun commiserated with his wife and children, the entire Awolowo family, and Nigerians at large, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss.

“May his gentle soul rest in sweet repose,” he added.

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Build Nigeria from grassroots, not just Abuja, Lagos – Ex-presidential candidate

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Adewole Adebayo, leader of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, and its presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general election, has stressed that Nigeria’s long-term progress lies in nurturing safe, productive and self-sustaining communities at the grassroots.

Adebayo spoke in Numan, Adamawa State, at a reception organised in his honour following the conferment of a traditional title on him by the Bachama kingdom.

While addressing traditional rulers, community leaders and residents, he described the Bachama people as a vital component of the Nigerian project, noting that the destiny of the nation is inseparable from the wellbeing of its local communities.

“The development of this land is the development of Nigeria because Nigeria is not just an idea; it is the land and the people,” he said.

He portrayed Numan and its environs as a rich heritage placed in the care of its people, urging citizens to take collective responsibility for nurturing the land, ensuring fair access to resources and raising families in conditions of safety and dignity.

The SDP leader also raised concerns about what he termed the over-centralisation of governance, arguing that efforts to drive national development primarily from Lagos in the past and later from Abuja have yielded limited success.

“The only time Nigeria will truly work is when we build it from the communities,” he said, adding that the true measure of national strength should be seen in the safety of homes, the quality of education and the freedom of young people to grow without fear.

According to him, meaningful development must allow families to farm, rear livestock, educate their children and participate actively in the economy within their local environments.

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Drawing parallels with countries such as the United States, Germany and Russia, Adebayo said enduring national success is built by citizens who flourish in their towns and villages, supported by access to electricity, water, security and economic opportunities.

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FG spent billions on Conference Centre but primary schools remain shut in FCT – Peter Obi

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The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed displeasure at the lingering strike by primary schools teachers in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

In a post on his official X handle, Obi said it is worrisome that the government spent billions of naira to renovate the International Conference Centre while primary schools in the nation’s capital remain on strike.

According to him, education is a cornerstone of national development.

He lamented that countless children remain out of school and those in school cannot attend because of insecurity or teachers’ strikes.

“This is particularly tragic in Abuja, the seat of government, where schools remain shuttered.

“This is the same Abuja where billions were squandered on renovating a conference centre for the president and Bus Terminals.

“One must question whether our leaders genuinely appreciate the vital role of education,” he wrote.

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Officers behind foiled coup knew consequences of their action – Defense Minister

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Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, rtd, says military officers arrested over the foiled coup knew the consequences of their action and are ready to face the wrath.

Musa said this when he appeared on TRT World, a Turkish broadcaster, stating that the accused persons would receive a fair trial, with access to legal counsel of their choice.

According to him, families of the alleged coup plotters would be looked after by the government.

“They must have made up their minds when they decided to do this and must have considered their families.

“But even at that, the government is ensuring that their families are treated fairly.

“Their family members are not left alone. The government is making sure that their wives and children are looked after.

“The perpetrators already know the repercussion of their action, and I’m sure they are ready to face the wrath,” he said.

It was recalls that the 16 implicated officers, including a Brigadier-General and Colonel, were arrested in October 2025 by the defence headquarters, DHQ.

The DHQ, on January 26, finally confirmed that there was a plot to oust President Bola Tinubu.

According to the military, the plot uncovered in late September 2025 through joint intelligence from the army, Department of State Services, DSS, and Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, allegedly involved plans to assassinate Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and other top government figures, as well as arrest senior military leaders.

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