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•Rivers community mourns loss of a stellar son wHis death a setback, may trigger unemployment for our youths, create out-of-school children – Council boss, youths
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
In and around Isiokpo, a community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, a haze of melancholy saturated the atmosphere. People moved about with bowed heads, in ones and twos, attempting to process and fathom the news that had been making the rounds in the media, that the community’s most prized son, Herbert Wigwe was dead.
Herbert died in a helicopter crash in the United States last weekend. He was 57. He died along with his wife and children. Not many people were willing to talk to the reporter. Many merely shook their heads and walked away, shaking or nodding their heads in pensively when the reporter mentioned the late banker’s name.
But Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Samuel Nwanosike, described the death of Herbert Wigwe, as a huge setback to the people of Isiokpo, Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
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The council chairman also described the late entrepreneur as a shining light and a key figure in the development of Ikwerre land.
He beseeched God not to allow the business blueprints of Herbert Wigwe in Ikwerre LGA to die and to raise someone who will continue his businesses and ideology for the betterment of humanity. The council boss prayed God to grant the Wigwe family and the people of Ikwerre the fortitude to bear the loss. The chairman added that only God knows why this tragedy befell Ikwerre land and Rivers State at this time.
Some youths in the community told Saturday Sun that the untimely death of the business mogul was a big blow, particularly to the people of Isiokpo, the traditional headquarters of Ikwerre LGA.
Loveday Bouchi and Darlington Okeh lamented that some natives might be out of job and school because of Wigwe’s demise.
They informed the reporter that the deceased created platforms for the youths to advance their education and be gainfully employed. They added that the ongoing Wigwe University project, which is sited in Isiokpo town, had already created jobs for professional and unskilled indigenes.
Meanwhile, the Isiokpo Ancient Kingdom in Ikwerre LGA has declared a weeklong mourning period for the deceased and his wife and son who died in the ill-fated flight. They described the deceased as a great mind, wonderful benefactor, an accomplished entrepreneur and business mogul.
The Isiokpo Traditional Council led by King Blessing A.N. Wagor JP, Wagidi XL, Nye Nwe Ali Isiokpo Ancient Kingdom, said the eight-day mourning took effect from Wednesday, February 14 and would last till Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
According to the monarch, within the period of mourning, all shops, markets and other forms of business activities would remain totally closed on the first day from 8am to 4 pm. The statement said business activities would be low-key on subsequent days.
Saturday Sun gathered that mourners would later gather at Isiokpo Roundabout for a procession to the palace of the traditional ruler. The monarch further directed all the sons and daughters of the community at home and abroad to wear black hand bands during the mourning period in honour of their fallen hero and benefactor.
Also, the leaders of Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide, led by the President General, Sir Eze Godspower Onuekwe, have paid condolence visit to the Isiokpo traditional council. They highlighted the uncommon achievements of the founder of Wigwe University and Group CEO of Access Holdings, and prayed for the Omueke community and Wigwe’s family, as well as the soul of the deceased.
