Abuja: The Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has mourned the passing of Olusegun Awolowo, describing him as a visionary leader whose life exemplified unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s economic transformation. Jani Ibrahim, Chairman of OPSN, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja said Awolowo’s legacy would forever remain etched in the annals of the nation’s journey toward prosperity.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ibrahim expressed that in Segun Awolowo, the country lost more than a public servant; it lost a true partner in progress, a bridge-builder between government and private enterprise, and a champion of the economic diversification that Nigeria so desperately needed. Awolowo’s remarkable career, which included roles at prestigious law firms like Abayomi Sogbesan and Co. and G.O.K. Ajayi and Co., laid the foundation for a life of service that touched every sector of the economy.
Segun’s legacy began from his early days as Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Traditional Institutions, Legal Due Diligence, and Legal Matters. His influence continued through his tenure with the Federal Capital Territory Administration under President Umaru Yar’Adua, where he showcased his ability to navigate complex challenges while maintaining the highest standards of integrity-values that resonated deeply with the private sector community.
Awolowo’s transformative leadership as Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 marked him as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s economic history. Initially appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan and reappointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, he became the longest-serving Executive Director in the organization’s history, solidifying his status as a true ally to the private sector.
The ‘Zero Oil Plan’ launched in 2016 under Awolowo’s leadership was a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing Nigeria’s economy. It was a declaration of partnership with the private sector, presenting a roadmap to transform Nigeria from an oil-dependent economy to one driven by diversified exports and value-added products, targeting $30 billion in foreign-exchange earnings through non-oil exports.
Awolowo’s collaboration with Shoprite in 2019 to distribute Nigerian products across Africa showcased his understanding that the government’s role was to create enabling environments for private enterprise success. His $1 billion Memorandum of Understanding with AFREXIM Bank and NEXIM in 2018 further demonstrated his commitment to creating the financial infrastructure necessary for private sector growth.
As the OPSN reflects on Awolowo’s legacy, they remember a leader who understood that sustainable economic development could only be achieved through genuine partnership between public and private sectors. He created platforms for dialogue, removed bureaucratic bottlenecks, and consistently championed policies that recognized the private sector as the engine of economic growth.
As the nation bids farewell to this exemplary Nigerian, the Organized Private Sector commits to honoring his memory by continuing the work he began. The partnerships he forged, the policies he championed, and the vision he articulated for a diversified, prosperous Nigeria remain a collective responsibility to fulfill.