Presidential hopeful and businessman, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has paid a shifting tribute to the late Segun Awolowo, former Government Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
In an emotional assertion titled “Good Night time My Brother and Buddy, Segun Awolowo,” Olawepo-Hashim stated information of Awolowo’s passing reached him whereas he was in Madrid, leaving him “shocked and unsettled.” He defined that the experiences initially got here in quietly, prompting him to succeed in out to shut associates for affirmation.
He stated his first name was to Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, a mutual buddy of greater than 20 years. Nonetheless unsure, he contacted businessman Terry Waya, who confirmed the tragic information. He additionally tried to succeed in members of the Awolowo household, together with Funke Awolowo, and later spoke with Mr Edward Dickson, Managing Director of Tribune, who additional validated the loss.
The late Segun Awolowo, he famous, was a part of a close-knit circle of Abuja pals—an inside circle that spanned 26 years and included Abdulrazaq, Waya, and the late Abdul Kokori.
Olawepo-Hashim recalled visiting Awolowo in Abuja solely months earlier, the place he discovered him vigorous and filled with plans, even proudly introducing him to his senior administration group. In what he now considers a ultimate parting cost, Awolowo had instructed him: “Gbenga, please preserve standing for Nigeria. Amongst all of us, you’re the one I do know has the capability to face.”
Describing him as “a uncommon gem, humble, considerate, and deeply patriotic,” Hashim stated Awolowo distinguished himself by means of laborious work, public service, and a robust private ethic, far past the burden of his well-known surname.
He added that their friendship was grounded in deep conversations and moments of prayer, which Awolowo at all times valued. “I’m grateful for the present of friendship we shared and pained that it ended too quickly,” he wrote.
Olawepo-Hashim ended his tribute with a solemn farewell: “Good night time, my brother and buddy. Relaxation nicely, Segun.”
Segun Awolowo’s passing has continued to reverberate throughout political, enterprise, and social circles, with tributes pouring in nationwide.
