The group managing director of Sahara Group, a leading international energy and infrastructure conglomerate, Dr. Kola Adesina MFR has expressed deep sadness over the news of the passing of his friend, Olusegun Awolowo, the grandson of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
In a heartfelt statement, Adesina described Segun Awolowo’s death at the age of 62, as unfortunate and a tragic loss, adding that the deceased life was a light, steady, purposeful, and full of grace.
While also recounting the pleasantries they both exchanged during Adesina’s 60th birthday in August, 2024, the Sahara Group boss noted that the late junior Awolowo carried the family legacy with dignity, intelligence, and quiet strength.
Adesina added that his late friend embraced every moment of life with warmth, humour, style, and an unshakeable belief in goodness.
See Adesina’s emotionally-laden statement in extenso as reproduced hereunder:
Rest in peace, my brother and friend, Olusegun Awolowo.
Your life was a light — steady, purposeful, and full of grace. You carried the Awolowo legacy with dignity, intelligence, and quiet strength. Our conversations, your wisdom, your laughter, your generosity of spirit… these remain etched in my heart forever.
I remember — with tears in my eyes — my milestone birthday last year, when you came dressed in that bold red. I joked, “Sege, this your red na fire oh!” and you smiled that deep, hearty and knowing smile and said, “Kola, life is short. Let us live it boldly, joyfully, and for good.”
And then you added words I will never forget: “Kola, we are day by day growing older. Let’s keep doing good. Ore mi, Nigeria go better.”
I am glad you lived — truly lived — and enjoyed life to the fullest. You embraced every moment with warmth, humour, style, and an unshakeable belief in goodness.
Nigeria has lost a statesman. I have lost a brother.
May God grant your noble soul eternal rest, comfort your family, and give all of us the strength to bear this painful loss.
Sleep well, my dear friend. You ran your race with honour.
Sun re o, “Paddy mi”
