By Deola Olukande
A video of late Herbert Wigwe 57th birthday anniversary celebration has emerged as his loved ones continue to mourn his demise, alongside his wife and son in a helicopter accident in the United States on Friday.
Another Nigerian who died in the chopper accident was the former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, (NGX Group), Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
Surprised at the celebration last August, Wigwe managed to keep a calm demeanour as his colleagues sang to him.
A former Senator and mournful friend of his swore to Everyday.ng on Sunday afternoon that Wigwe was one of the 100 richest Nigerians alive adding rather soberly, “there is nothing to this life.”
The former top banker also recalled the passing of former late Group Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Mr. Tayo Aderinokun, which he said took place within a week of his been announced sick.
“This life, this life….Well, death is a lesson to the living. All some of us wanted to be, I want to be Herbert, I want own a bank, I want to run a good bank. This is the person I want to be. That person is gone.”
Meanwhile, Access Bank has confirmed the passing of its Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife and son, in a helicopter crash in the U.S.
The bank said in a statement signed by Sunday Ekwochi, Group Company Secretary, Access Holdings.
“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
“Dr 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.
“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,” he said.
Commenting on the passage, Abubakar Jimoh, chairman of Access Holdings, said, “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”.
Mr Jimoh said in line with the company’s policy, the Board will soon announce the appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.
He expressed hope that “the Access Group will build further on Dr Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.”
