Presidential hopeful and businessman, Gbenga Hashim, has paid a moving tribute to the late Segun Awolowo, former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
In an emotional statement titled “Good Night My Brother and Friend, Segun Awolowo,” Hashim said news of Awolowo’s passing reached him while he was in Madrid, leaving him “shocked and unsettled.” He explained that the reports initially came in quietly, prompting him to reach out to close associates for confirmation.
Hashim said his first call was to Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, a mutual friend of more than two decades. Still uncertain, he contacted businessman Terry Waya, who confirmed the tragic news. He also attempted to reach members of the Awolowo family, including Funke Awolowo, and later spoke with Mr Edward Dickson, Managing Director of Tribune, who further validated the loss.
The late Segun Awolowo, he noted, was part of a close-knit circle of Abuja friends—an inner circle that spanned 26 years and included Abdulrazaq, Waya, and the late Abdul Kokori.
Hashim recalled visiting Awolowo in Abuja only months earlier, where he found him lively and full of plans, even proudly introducing him to his senior management team. In what he now considers a final parting charge, Awolowo had told him: “Gbenga, please keep standing for Nigeria. Among all of us, you’re the one I know has the capacity to stand.”
Describing him as “a rare gem, humble, thoughtful, and deeply patriotic,” Hashim said Awolowo distinguished himself through hard work, public service, and a strong personal ethic, far beyond the weight of his famous surname.
He added that their friendship was grounded in deep conversations and moments of prayer, which Awolowo always valued. “I am grateful for the gift of friendship we shared and pained that it ended too soon,” he wrote.
Hashim ended his tribute with a solemn farewell: “Good night, my brother and friend. Rest well, Segun.”
Segun Awolowo’s passing has continued to reverberate across political, business, and social circles, with tributes pouring in nationwide.
