by Blessing Adebayo
Olusegun Awolowo’s death has drawn tributes from across the country, including a message from the Office of the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, conveyed through his media aide, Chief Julius Bokoru. According to the statement, Sylva would receive the news of Awolowo’s passing with deep sorrow and a strong sense of national loss, in line with his long standing respect for citizens who serve with dignity and purpose.
Bokoru explained that although he had not recently been in direct contact with Sylva, his reflections were guided by years of closely observing the former minister’s views on leadership, service, and nation building. He said Segun Awolowo represented humility, intellect, and a steady commitment to public duty, adding that he carried the Awolowo legacy with honour and quiet strength.
According to the statement, Sylva held deep regard for Awolowo’s role in promoting economic diversification, strengthening institutional reforms, and advancing Nigeria’s engagement with continental trade structures. Bokoru described him as a refined public servant whose clarity of vision and bridge building temperament earned broad respect in the country’s development space.
He said the Awolowo family had lost a dutiful son and Nigeria had lost a voice of reason whose contributions would be felt for years. He extended condolences on behalf of the Office he serves to the Awolowo family, the government and people of Ogun State, and all Nigerians mourning the respected public figure.
Olusegun Awolowo was known for his work in supporting Nigeria’s non oil sector growth and enhancing the country’s presence in African trade platforms.
