•As Okonjo-Iweala, Obi, Atiku, others mourn …FAA, NTSB deepen investigation
By Uche Usim
Nigeria, especially the banking community, is still on shock over the death of the co-founder and group managing director of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Hebert Wigwe, his wife Doreen and son Chizi. They died in a helicopter crash in the United States at the weekend.
Also on board the ill-fated chopper was Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group).
It was gathered that Herbert’s friend and predecessor, Aig Imoukhuede, who is also in California flew in a separate helicopter and landed safely.
Like someone who had premonition of about his own death, late Wigwe, on January 19, 2024 wrote on his X social media handle, “today let us remember that life is a precious gift – a chance to breathe, feel, love, experience and connect.
“Let us honour this gift by living with purpose, kindness, and gratitude, making every moment count. Let us number our days.”
The spokesman of Access Holdings Plc, Kunle Aderinokun, in a statement, said: “The entire Access family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen and Chizi.
“We extend our deep and sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones. Dr. Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002.”
Also commenting on the passage of Dr. Wigwe, the Chairman of Access Holdings, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, said the Board will soon appoint an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer as ‘it remains optimistic about continuing Dr. Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.’
Describing Wigwe as a ‘larger-than-life’ personality, Jimoh shared a heartfelt message, stating, “the Access Family has suffered a major loss with the passing of Dr. Wigwe who was a great friend and fine gentleman. He had a prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities, and vast business experience which he brought to bear on the Access Family and for which we owe him a debt of gratitude.”
“We remain confident that the Access Group will build further on Dr. Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.”
“Dr. Wigwe was instrumental in the growth of Access Bank, which he co-founded with his friend and business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. He took over as Access Bank Group CEO in 2014, focusing on the Bank’s expansion in Nigeria and Africa before taking the helm at Access Holdings in 2022. Under his leadership, Access Bank drove its African strategy to become Sub Saharan Africa’s largest retail bank by customer base.
“Dr. Wigwe also sat on the board of the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company and Friends Africa and was an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and Institute of Credit Administration.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, also joined other well-meaning Nigerians and world leaders in mourning Wigwe; his wife, Chizoba; their son; and a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
In a statement he personally signed on Sunday, the governor said: “This news comes with deep shock and rubs in, once again, the vanity of life.
“Wigwe was a brother, a team player, philanthropist, visionary, and thoroughbred professional, who distinguished himself in the banking industry and corporate world”.
Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Holdings (FBN Holdings), Mr. Femi Otedola, said on his instagram handle that Wigwe’s legacy would live forever.
“Exactly two weeks ago, Herbie and his wife hosted myself and Aliko Dangote to dinner at his newly-built home in Lagos. Herbie, we will miss you. Your legacy will live forever,” he said.
For Hope Uzodimma, the death of the Wigwes and Chief Ogunbanjo is devastating because of his close relationship with them.
The Governor said he will miss the deceased sorely, and prayed that God will grant their families, friends and associates the grace to bear the huge loss.
Also reacting to Wigwe’s demise, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, said he was deeply saddened by the incident.
“Indeed, Herbert Wigwe, consummate banker, education promoter, and philanthropist, numbered his days. On behalf of my family, my heart goes out to their loved ones and everyone affected by this unfortunate incident. May their souls rest in peace,” Atiku said.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), said the ex-bank chief’s demise remains a terrible loss.
“Terribly saddened by the news of the terrible loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO Access Bank, his wife and son as well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash.
“My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Group employees and Management of Access Bank and my younger Brother Herbert’s partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, said Wigwe was a forward-thinking banker.
“The loss is profoundly felt across the nation.”
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said Wigwe’s contribution to the growth of Nigerian banking industry and, indeed, the economy was exemplary and commendable.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State described the death as devastating.
“Herbert was not just a brother and visionary leader ,but one of the brightest minds in Africa. His impact on our nation and beyond will be remembered forever. My heart mourns.
“Herbert’s contributions to Banking and the financial sector in Africa were unparalleled.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, both of the United States, while confirming that all the occupants in the ill-fated chopper dead, said deeper investigations were on to unravel the cause of the crash.