Soludo, Uzodimma,Sanwo-Olu mourn tragic passing of Access Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe
…Uzodimma in shock over Wigwe, Ogunbanjo’s deaths
*Herbert, my brother, my friend and my adviser-Sanwo-Olu
With profound grief and shock, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, mourns the tragic passing of Chief Executive officer of Nigeria’s Access Holdings, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son in a helicopter accident in California, USA, on Friday.
Soludo said by his death, Nigeria has lost one of its most brilliant minds in the financial services sector. Mr. Wigwe was not only a prominent Nigerian banker and entrepreneur, but also a personal friend of the Governor.
As a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Governor Soludo had the privilege of witnessing first-hand Mr. Wigwe’s innovative approach to banking and his instrumental role during the Bank Consolidation in driving the growth and expansion of Access Bank, both within Nigeria and internationally.
His leadership extended far beyond Access Bank. Mr. Wigwe was a pillar of the Nigerian business community, a champion for economic development, an avid educationist and a true visionary who consistently pushed boundaries for growth and development
His contributions to the banking sector, and to Nigeria as a whole, will be long remembered.
Mr. Wigwe’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the institutions he built, such as the Wigwe University, and the inspiration he provided to generations of youth, aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.
He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Governor Soludo’s deepest condolences go out to the Wigwe family, Access Bank and his associates during this incredibly difficult time.
May they find solace in the outpouring of love and support from their loved ones and the wider Nigerian community.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State is in 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.
Wigwe, his wife, son, Chief Ogunbanjo who is the Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group ( NGX Group) and the crew members of Eurocopter EC130 died in a crash Friday when the helicopter went down near Baker, a town of 700 people about 153 kilometers South west of Las Vagas in the United States.
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.
The statement said while the Governor will miss the deceased sorely, it is his prayer that God will grant their families, friends and associates the grace to bear the huge loss.
Sanwo-Olu says I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of my dear brother and friend, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his dear wife Doreen, and their beloved son Chizi in a helicopter crash.
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. He was an unapologetic believer in the Nigerian solution. His dedication and passion for progress inspired us all. Today, we mourn not just a leader but a true friend and brother. Lagos and Nigeria have lost a remarkable soul. Rest in peace, my brother.
We also lost another great business leader and legal luminary, my egbon Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, who contributed significantly to the development of the Capital Markets and Corporate law in Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace.
In this difficult time, our thoughts are with the families of all the victims, and we pray for strength and grace.
