Wigwe: Tinubu Mourns as Access Bank Confirms Death of CEO, Wife, Son in Helicopter Crash
Access Bank has confirmed the passing of its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife and son, in a helicopter crash in the U.S.
The bank said in a statement signed by Mr 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 Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’).
“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, Mr 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”.
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.”
President Bola Tinubu receives with shock and deep distress the news of the passing of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, top banker and entrepreneur, and Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, OFR, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, along with members of the Wigwe family.
Mr. Herbert Wigwe, CON, was the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc and founder of the How Foundation.
In a statement by Presidential spokesperson, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu mourns these exceptional Nigerian business leaders and describes their passing as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”
The President condoles with the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by this harrowing incident.
President Tinubu prays for the peaceful repose of the departed and asks God Almighty to comfort the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonizing moment.
