Last Friday when the curtain fell on the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc., Mr. Herbert Wigwe, who together with his wife, Chizoba, son, Chizzy, and three others lost their lives in a Helicopter crash in California, United States, the whole country, nay, the continent of Africa, was enveloped with the darkness that greeted the loss of a consummate banker, a boardroom guru and an iconic entrepreneur.
Another prominent figure, who died in the crash was the former Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Chief Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
The late Ogunbanjo was born into the family of a foremost industrialist, the late Chief Chris Ogunbanjo of Erunwon in Ogun State.
Their tragic passing has thrown the banking and corporate world into a gloom, creating an irreplaceable void in the business space across Africa and the rest of the world.
The sad incident happened last Friday when the chopper that was conveying Wigwe, his wife, his son, Ogunbanjo, and two others crashed, killing all of them on board.
Wigwe’s exit last Friday made many believe that perhaps he had a premonition of his departure. According to them, some three weeks ago, the late banker wrote on his social media handle X, formerly known as Twitter, sounding prophetic, when he wrote: “Today and always, 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 remember our days.”
Regrettably, the late Wigwe left behind a nonagenarian father, Pastor Shyngle, and his loving wife, Stella, who may find the news of their son’s departure a blow too heavy to bear.
Born in the Garden City of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on August 15, 1966, the late Herbert Wigwe chatted his path with a degree in accountancy from the University of Nigeria in 1987 and ensured a steady growth that took him to the peak of his foray into banking and the business world.
His brilliance made him shine like the star that he truly was when in 1990, he received the British Council Scholarship to study at the University College of North Wales (now Bangor), to earn a Master of Arts in banking and finance in 1991.
He was later to earn another Master of Science (MSc) in Financial Economics from the University of London in 1996. He was also an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Management Programme, and in 2018, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
He began his career at the famous Coopers & Lybrand in the United Kingdom, an accounting firm that later merged with the UK firm of Deloitte Haskins & Sells to adopt the business name of Coopers & Lybrand Deloitte from January 15, 1990, and merged on April 29, 1990. Coopers & Lybrand Deloitte later became Coopers & Lybrand on June 1, 1992, and eventually merged with Price Waterhouse to form PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on July 1, 1998.
The late Wigwe was to later join the Guaranty Trust Bank, where he worked for over a decade to hone his banking and business skills at the bank which has since transformed into GTCO.
In 2002, he and his friend and business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, bought Access Bank and between 2002 and 2017, the bank grew to become the 4th largest bank in Nigeria.
He was to serve as the bank’s Deputy Managing Director between 2002 and 2014. He also served as the chairman of the Access Bank Ghana Limited starting in 2013, the Access Investment & Securities Limited, and the Central Securities and Clearing System.
Until his death last Friday, Wigwe was the chairman of Access Bank (UK) Limited, a board member of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company, and a member of the Advisory Board for Friends Africa. He was also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration, and an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
•How tragic US helicopter crash claimed Herbert, wife, son, Okunbanjo, others
According to the details from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as provided by a board member with the NTSB, Michael Graham, alongside the investigator in charge of the incident, Aaron Sours, at a press briefing on Saturday evening in Barstow, California, the fatal helicopter crash that led to the death of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son and other crew members onboard, the two crew members and four passengers on board the aircraft were fatally injured.
There was equally a report of a fire outbreak when the helicopter crashed.
“As far as we know, from what was reported from witnesses there was fire when the aircraft did contact the terrain,” the official said.
He explained that they have a representative from the NTSB’s Transportation Disaster Assistance division at the scene and that was working with the family members of those who lost their lives.
•Tinubu, Macron, Okonjo-Iweala, and other prominent leaders mourn the passing of bank Chief.
The death of Wigwe, his wife, his son, and Ogunbanjo has generated a myriad of reactions locally and globally.
•Tinubu
Topping the list was President Bola Tinubu’s condolence message yesterday, describing the late Wigwe as an exceptional Nigerian business leader, whose death along with his colleague, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, a former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, he said was “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”
The President condoled with the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by the harrowing incident.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed and asked God Almighty to comfort the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonizing moment.
•Akpabio
Also, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has described the sudden death of the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holding, Mr Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son as a painful loss to Nigeria.
Akpabio in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh described Wigwe’s death as a big loss not only to the Nigerian banking and finance industry where he held sway but also to the country as a whole.
“On behalf of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I offer our condolences to the Wigwe family, the Board and Management of Access Bank, the Governor of Rivers State, the President and Commander-.in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for losing such a great son, iconic entrepreneur a serial investor at such a time that our country needs his services the most.
In their separate messages, French President, Macron; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Okonjo-Iweala; the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki; the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo; Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; and the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga expressed sadness over his painful exit.
•Macron
President Macron in his message on Facebook, said France has lost a friend with the demise of Wigwe, noting that the late banker worked tirelessly to strengthen the relationship between France and Nigeria through his leadership of the French -Nigeria Business Council.
Describing the late Wigwe as a humanistic and talented entrepreneur, Macron expressed his heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
“France has lost a friend, Herbert Wigwe, President of the French Nigeria Business Council. A humanistic and talented entrepreneur. He tirelessly worked to strengthen the relationship between our two countries. Our heartfelt thoughts go to his family and loved ones,” the message stated.
•Atiku
The former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a tweet on his X handle at the weekend, described the incident as unfortunate.
•Okonjo-Iweala
Also, in a post on X, Okonjo-Iweala wrote that she was “terribly saddened by the news of the terrible loss of Wigwe… his wife and son as well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash. “May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” she added.
•Obi
On his part, the Labour Party presidential candidate in last year’s general election, Mr Peter Obi, expressed sadness over the loss of Wigwe.
Obi, who was the former governor of Anambra, said, “His noteworthy contributions extended beyond the professional realm, with commendable philanthropic efforts in health and education. This was exemplified by the establishment of Wigwe University, showcasing his deep commitment to education as a driver of development.”
•Sanwo-Olu
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on his part, described Wigwe as the king of visionary and disruptive ideas, saying the death of the renowned banker and entrepreneur is a personal loss to him and a colossal loss to Lagos, Nigeria, and the banking industry.
Sanwo-Olu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, described Herbert Wigwe as “My brother, my friend and my adviser.”
•Fubara
Also, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State said there were no words to convey how terrible the losses are, adding that the state and indeed, Nigeria would, miss an unassuming, iconic, and accomplished illustrious son of Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.
A statement by his media aide, Boniface Onyedi quoted Fubara as saying Rivers State and the nation are in tears because it would be extremely difficult to understand the sweeping loss of a family involving a strong pillar, accomplished banker, and philanthropist with tentacles in the education sector.”
•Abiodun
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State also added his voice, describing as tragic the death of Wigwe.
Abiodun, who remarked in a statement in Abeokuta yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, described the death as a devastating loss for the families of the deceased, friends, and the entire business community in Nigeria.
According to him, Wigwe was a quintessential banker, who contributed immensely to the Nigerian economy, adding that he was a pillar of support to his administration in Ogun State, adding that Wigwe’s death has created a void that would be difficult to fill.
•Uzodimma
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State also expressed shock over the unfortunate fatal plane crash involving Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba, his son, and Chief Abimbola Ogunbanjo, among others.
The report was not just shocking to Governor Uzodimma but has devastated him.
A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor Uzodimma said his principal is still in shock over the ugly incident and yet to come to terms with the reality that Wigwe, his wife, his son, and Ogunbanjo are no more.
He said the death of the Wigwes and Chief Ogunbanjo becomes more devastating to the Governor as he recalls his close relationship with them.
•Mbah
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has joined other well-meaning Nigerians and world leaders in mourning Wigwe.
The governor expressed his grief in a statement he signed on Sunday in Enugu.
Mbah described Wigwe as a corporate titan, and the deaths as a monumental tragedy not only to Nigeria but the entire corporate world.
“This news comes with deep shock and rubs in, once again, the vanity of life. Wigwe was a brother, a team player, a philanthropist, a visionary, and a thoroughbred professional, who distinguished himself in the banking industry and corporate world.
•Otu
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Out, expresses his deepest condolences over the tragic death of Wigwe, his wife, son, and others in a helicopter accident in the United States.
Otu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, said, “I received with utmost shock and sadness the tragic death of one of Nigeria’s sterling banker and business icon, Dr Herbert Wigwe alongside his wife, son, and others aboard a helicopter in the United States.
“This a huge blow to the banking and financial sector not just in Nigeria, but across Africa and the world.
“Wigwe was a shining example of industry, brinksmanship, and dedication to all of humanity. Dying at a time when he is pioneering world-class education through his Wigwe University is a devastating loss to this lofty dream and all who hoped on him.”
•Soludo
Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo has expressed sadness and one that keeps speechless, about the tragic death of Wigwe, and others who lost their lives in the Helicopter Crash in California, United States.
Wigwe, his wife, his only son, and three other persons had died following the crash of a Eurocopter EC 130 helicopter last Friday night.
The aircraft was headed to Las Vegas, when it crashed near Nipton, between Nevada and California.
Soludo who lamenting over the incident on his social media handle, said he and Wigwe were together just two weeks ago with a promise to meet again this week.
He said he was speechless to hear that the Access Bank CEO is no more.
Soludo noted that Wigwe lived a life of impact and purpose, expressing sadness over the suddenness of his demise.
•Kalu
On his part, Senator Kalu, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation, lamented the demise of the renowned banker.
He condoled with the Board, Management, staff, and stakeholders of Access Holdings.
Kalu, who described the death of Wigwe as a great loss to the country, said the late banker was a thoroughbred professional with a proven track record in the financial sector.
In a condolence message, Kalu prayed to God to grant the Wigwe family the fortitude to bear the losses.
•Access Holdings
Also, Access Holdings Plc, where the late Wigwe was the chairman, yesterday confirmed the death of its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe, and his family in a helicopter accident in the United States.
A statement yesterday signed by its Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, said its Board of Directors announced the passing of Wigwe and his family and extended its deep and sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones.
It said 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 company since joining the Bank in 2002.
The company said in line with its policy, the Board would soon announce the appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer and expressed the confidence that the Access Group would build further on Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.
“It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) announces the passing of Dr Herbert Wigwe (CFR), the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’).
“Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.
“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,” the statement stated.
•NGX Group
The Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) has mourned the death of its Group Chairman, Mr Abimbola Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash in the United States of America.
The firm also commiserated with the family of the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe, who also died along with his wife and son in the same mishap.
The Group Chairman of NGX Group, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, in a statement, expressed condolences to the families of the departed souls, describing their death as untimely.
Kwairanga said the late Ogunbanjo’s leadership had left an indelible mark on the company and the broader Nigerian financial community, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire the group.
The NGX group chairman stated that the late Wigwe also left an unblemished footprint in the group’s private sector.
“NGX Group is deeply saddened to acknowledge the tragic passing of our former chairman, Access Holdings Group CEO, Dr Wigwe, along with his wife and son, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time. May their souls rest in peace and may the Almighty comfort their families,” he said.
