— Calls him a rare patriot, loyal friend and “true gem”
Presidential aspirant and prominent businessman, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has delivered a deeply emotional tribute to the late Segun Awolowo, former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
In a statement titled “Good Night My Brother and Friend, Segun Awolowo,” Hashim said the news of Awolowo’s death hit him while he was in Madrid, leaving him shocked and rattled. He explained that the initial reports were so subdued that he had to reach out to trusted allies for confirmation.
His first call was to Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, a mutual friend of over 20 years. Still unsure, he contacted businessman Terry Waya, who confirmed the sad development. He also attempted reaching members of the Awolowo family and later got further confirmation from Edward Dickson, Managing Director of Tribune Newspapers.
Hashim described the late Awolowo as a central member of their intimate Abuja circle a brotherhood that spanned 26 years and included Abdulrazaq, Waya and the late Abdul Kokori.
He recounted visiting Awolowo in Abuja a few months ago, finding him vibrant and full of fresh ideas. During that meeting, Awolowo introduced him to his senior management team and left him with what Hashim now considers a final charge: “Gbenga, keep standing for Nigeria. Among all of us, you’re the one I trust has the capacity to stand.”
Remembering him as humble, hardworking, patriotic and grounded far beyond the weight of his illustrious surname, Hashim said their friendship was defined by sincere conversations and shared prayers. “I’m grateful for our bond, and broken that it ended too soon,” he added.
He closed his tribute with a solemn farewell: “Good night, my brother and friend. Rest well, Segun.”
Tributes have continued pouring in from across the political, business and social landscape as the nation mourns Segun Awolowo’s unexpected passing.
