Segun, Okupe
President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Prince Doyin Okupe, describing him as “a medical doctor, politician, communicator, and strategist who played a significant role in Nigeria’s political landscape.”
President Tinubu also expressed deep condolences to the family of Ms. Mabel Segun, the celebrated writer, poet, and playwright, who passed away on Thursday, barely a month after marking her 95th birthday.
Okupe, a prominent indigene of Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, passed away early Friday after a prolonged illness.
The late politician served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan and as Special Assistant on Media to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Over a political career spanning more than three decades, he held key positions, including National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC).
He was also actively involved in the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and most recently, the Accord Party, where he served as national leader.
Okupe played a major role in the 2023 general elections as the Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign. Beyond politics, he made notable contributions to the medical sector as co-founder of the Royal Cross Medical Centre, Lagos, and as the publisher of Life Mirror, a health-focused newspaper.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Okupe as a bold and articulate advocate for national development. He expressed deep sorrow over his passing, noting that his vast experience and insight remained invaluable to the country.
The President also extended his sympathies to the government and people of Ogun State, particularly the Iperu-Remo community, mourning the loss of an esteemed son and leader.
Tinubu acknowledged Okupe’s enduring impact on his home state and the void his passing leaves in the hearts of those who knew him. He prayed for the repose of the departed statesman’s soul and divine comfort for his loved ones.
Tibubu said Segun, a trailblazer in Nigerian children’s literature, was instrumental in shaping the literary landscape through her pioneering efforts. She founded the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria in 1978 and later established the Children’s Documentation and Research Centre in 1990, both in Ibadan, to promote literary development among young readers.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extolled Segun’s extraordinary and lasting contributions to Nigerian literature.
He acknowledged her remarkable legacy, noting that her first book, My Father’s Daughter, published in 1965, garnered global recognition and remains an essential read for aspiring writers, literary enthusiasts, and students.
The President commiserated with the literary community, Segun’s admirers, and her loved ones, praying for the repose of her soul while seeking divine comfort for her family in this moment of grief.
