By RismadarVoice Reporter
December 5, 2025
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday described the late Segun Awolowo Jr. as a patriot who “built bridges across the Niger and across the Atlantic.”
Akpabio was speaking during a funeral of Awolowo at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
Awolowo Jr., a prominent lawyer, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, and grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, died last month.
Addressing the congregation, Akpabio said Segun Awolowo Jr. lived a life marked by humility, service, and deep national commitment.
“He was a man who built bridges across the Niger, across the Atlantic,” the Senate President said. “There was nothing I did in my state when I was governor that he did not attend. He was a great lawyer who emerged from a great legacy and carried it with humility and candour.”
The Senate President told the family that although they had lost a father and grandfather, “heaven has gained an angel,” adding that the 10th Senate and the National Assembly would miss him “for decades to come.”
He praised Awolowo’s public service record, recalling his roles in the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, and his influence in social and faith-based circles.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, also paid tribute, noting that Segun Awolowo Jr. “served Nigeria with exceptional passion and unending dedication.”
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the deceased as a man of “quiet dignity” and “unwavering conviction,” who demonstrated rare devotion to the Nigerian dream.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State called him a “jolly good fellow” who lived a life defined by humility, service, and deep patriotism.
