Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, joined a chorus of condolences from across Nigeria and the global financial community following the tragic demise of Herbert Wigwe, Co-founder and Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc, his wife Chizoba, their son, and former Nigerian Exchange Group Plc Chairman, Abimbola Ogunbanjo. The news of their deaths in a United States air crash has left the world mourning the loss of a corporate giant and his family.
In a statement released on Sunday, Governor Mbah expressed profound shock and sorrow at the news, describing Wigwe as a brother, team player, philanthropist, and visionary leader who left an indelible mark on the banking industry and corporate world. The governor extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the eternal repose of their souls.
Mbah, who described Wigwe as a corporate titan, mourned the deaths as a monumental tragedy not only to Nigeria but also to the entire corporate worldIn a statement he personally signed on Sunday, the governor said: “This news comes with deep shock and rubs in, once again, the vanity of life"
“Wigwe was a brother, a team player, philanthropist, visionary, and thoroughbred professional, who distinguished himself in the banking industry and corporate world, rising through the ranks to become a pioneer and titan of our time as well as an entrepreneur of global repute and reach. “This incident is, therefore, an unspeakable disaster and monumental tragedy, not only to Nigeria, but also to the entire corporate world"
“My heart goes out to his immediate family, relatives, the Access Holdings Plc family, corporate Nigeria, and indeed the nation over these grave losses. May God grant their souls eternal repose.”
The financial world was rocked by the tragic news of the chopper crash that claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son, along with three other individuals. The helicopter, en route to Las Vegas, crashed near the border between Nevada and California on Friday night, leaving no survivors. Initial reports suggest mechanical failure or adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the crash.
Herbert Wigwe, renowned for his astute leadership and innovative strategies, had steered Access Holdings to prominence within Nigeria's financial sector, earning accolades and admiration for his contributions to industry growth and development. Tributes poured in from colleagues, business associates, and well-wishers, highlighting Wigwe's legacy of excellence and service.
Authorities in the United States, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), have launched an investigation into the crash to determine the exact cause. As the investigation unfolds, the banking community mourns the loss of a visionary leader while remaining committed to honoring his memory and upholding his legacy of integrity and innovation.
Access Holdings, along with the broader financial industry, faces a profound loss with the passing of Herbert Wigwe, yet his impact and influence will continue to resonate for years to come, shaping the future of banking and corporate governance in Nigeria and beyond.
