Accelerate

Accelerate 2024

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Olusegun Awolowo

Executive Secretary AICFTA Nigeria

A seasoned lawyer and public administrator- a dedicated change maker committed to the promotion of Nigeria’s national development through economic diversification. Building on a lifetime of intentional public service, his prolific career spans a host of strategic roles in the

Nigerian Government, as both policy maker and implementer. As an avid reader he understands clearly the nexus between innovation and national development and as such constantly seeks to explore it in the discharge of his duties.

As the immediate past Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) he is the originator and advocate for the audacious Zero Oil Plan which is the economic blueprint for the diversification of Nigeria’s economy from its mainstay of oil – a finite resource.

This Plan forms part of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). Mr Awolowo served as the Country Head of Nigeria’s Delegation to the United Nations Centre For Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business. Providing key mechanisms to ensure effective public-private partnership in this programme and its monitoring by member States. He also served on the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) Advisory Board and led Nigeria’s presentations at international trade facilitation symposia.

Mr Awolowo, prior to this time has shown his unwavering dedication to national development by occupying strategic roles in government, including working with four Nigerian presidents namely: President Olusegun Obasanjo, President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, President Goodluck E. Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari. As Secretary for Social Development, Area Councils and later Secretary of Transportation in the Federal Capital Territory Administration where he played a significant role in evolving a master plan for an efficient urban transportation system in the FCT. He has also served as Special Assistant on Traditional Institutions, Legal Due Diligence and Legal Matters under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s Administration.

Mr Olusegun Awolowo is the Pioneer President of the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) Network, which ensures the equalisation of opportunities for all ECOWAS member States to benefit from the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Mr Awolowo is a Legal Practitioner, called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990. He practiced with the prestigious Law firms of; G.O.K Ajayi & Co. and Abayomi Sogbesan & Co.He later established his own law firm Olusegun Awolowo and co. As a thought leader and change maker, Mr Awolowo strives to constantly encourage innovation in the pursuit of national development. Being a strong nationalist he forges strategic international alliances to ensure that Nigeria is continually viewed in the right light globally – as a progressive nation.

He is a firm believer in the fact that the secret to Nigeria’s economic salvation lies in her greatest resource, her people. Mr Olusegun Awolowo and his wife, Bola, are the proud parents of two daughters and a son; Seun, Yimika and Segun Jnr respectively.