By Sir Folu Olamiti
This is a tribute to Segun Awolowo, who has now gone to the world beyond.
I am still in a trance, struggling to accept that I will not see him again until we meet at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is difficult and painful to imagine writing a tribute to a younger brother who, only a few weeks ago, told me he was getting better and that I would soon see him in Abuja. Those words lifted my spirit after months of silence. His passing is traumatic and devastating. He was ebullient, cerebral, sociable, and deeply religious. To think that a man in his early sixties could suddenly kiss the canvas is heartbreaking.
My relationship with Segun started in 1984, during the nationwide campaign tours of his grandfather, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. On one of the Kaduna tours, young Segun joined the campaign train while on vacation. I was Tribune’s Chief Reporter on Papa’s entourage and had the rare privilege of flying with him in his chopper to remote communities. Inside that chopper was Segun, with Papa’s unmistakable eyeballs. As soon as I entered, Papa smiled and said, “Olamiti, that is Segun, my grandson. Please keep an eye on him at the campaign grounds. Sugboọn, Ipata ni o,” meaning he is troublesome. Segun immediately protested with a playful “Ha Papa,” and we all burst into laughter. That moment marked the beginning of a friendship that lasted a lifetime.
This tribute would be incomplete without recalling his ambition to become a successful lawyer like his grandfather and eventually move into politics. From his days at Ago Iwoye to the establishment of his law chamber in Lagos and his public life in Abuja, he never left my side. Whenever I faced challenges in journalism or public service, he stood by me without hesitation, and I did the same for him. Many believed Segun had no worries, yet he did, and he often sought my counsel, which I always gave with joy.
A tribute to Segun must also reflect the value he placed on his children’s education. He ensured they continued the strong academic tradition of their father and grandfather. He lived as a responsible father and grandfather. He cared deeply for his siblings, who regarded him as their rallying point and role model. Segun touched countless lives. He once shared with me the number of young people from poor backgrounds he sponsored through higher institutions, quiet acts of generosity he never announced.
In public service, Segun brought glamour, creativity, and fresh ideas. He left lasting footprints in every office he held. He loved to travel, enjoyed meeting people, and built friendships across ethnic lines. He had visited many parts of the world and was putting finishing touches to his memoirs when death struck.
My deepest concern is for his mother, Abbah, whom he loved with all his heart. I pray that God comfort her in this painful hour of losing her only son and grant her the strength to bear the loss.
This tribute ends with a simple truth: He came into this world, he saw, he conquered. The lesson for all of us is clear: It is not how long we live but how well.
Sir Folu Olamiti is the Publisher and Chairman of the Editorial Board at Newspot Nigeria.
