Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Olusegun Awolowo.

Ibori described Awolowo’s death as a painful loss to the nation and to all who knew him personally.

Awolowo, who was one of the grandsons of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, died at the age of 62.

In a statement signed by Ibori and made available to our correspondent, he said Olusegun’s death is a personal loss to him..

“I am utterly devastated by the news of Olusegun’s death.

“He carried the Awolowo name with dignity, humility, and purpose. Nigeria has lost one of its finest gentlemen.”

Ibori praised Awolowo’s leadership at the NEPC, describing him as a driving force behind Nigeria’s export growth and a firm advocate for economic diversification.

He noted that under Awolowo’s stewardship, the NEPC expanded its support for non-oil exports, nurtured local producers, and opened new global markets, efforts that, according to Ibori, will continue to benefit Nigeria for years to come.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ibori highlighted Awolowo’s character, stating that, “He was gentle, soft-spoken, principled, but never weak in conviction. He believed in service, not spectacle.”

He added that Awolowo’s integrity and calm demeanour earned him respect across political divides.

Ibori extended his deepest condolences to the Awolowo family, friends, and colleagues, praying for solace and strength in this difficult time.

“May his legacy of excellence, dignity, and national service inspire all of us moving forward,” he said.

On his part, Makinde described his death as painful and a sad loss to Nigeria.

The governor, in a statement by his Special Assistant (Print Media), Moses Alao, condoled with the Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, publishers of the Tribune Titles, Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, the entire Awolowo family, and the management of Tribune.

He said, “Late Segun Awolowo, a former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, was a great mind and a great ambassador of the family, who made good marks everywhere he went.

“I pray to God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased,” he added.