President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubaru are in tears over the untimely demise of Herbert Wigwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc.
Tinubu described the death of Mr. Wigwe as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”
This came after the official confirmation of a helicopter crash that killed the top banker, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc., Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, along with members of the Wigwe family.
“Bola Tinubu receives the news with shock and deep distress… and mourns these exceptional Nigerian business leaders,” a statement on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, read.
The statement is titled, ‘President Tinubu mourns CEO of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo and family members.’
Wigwe died in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, United States of America, on Friday.
On Sunday, Access Holdings Plc confirmed the accident and those killed in the helicopter accident.
Related post: Access Holdings CEO, Wigwe, five others die in chopper crash
A statement signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, read, “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.”
United States authorities said preliminary reports suggest that a wintry weather condition contributed to the crash.
The President condoled 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 agonising moment,” said Ngelale
Also, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed grief over the death of Wigwe, who died along with his wife and son in a helicopter crash.
In a condolence statement on Sunday via X, Sanwo-Olu described Wigwe as “one of the brightest minds in Africa” and a “visionary leader” who made unparalleled contributions to banking and the financial sector.
“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,” the governor said.
According to Sanwo-Olu, Wigwe was an “unapologetic believer in the Nigerian solution” whose dedication and passion for progress inspired many.
“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,” he added.
Similarly, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed shock at the news of the death of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, his son, and others in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, United States.
The governor described the incident as a “monumental disaster.”
He said Rivers State and Nigeria were in tears over the development.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday by the governor’s media aide, Boniface Onyedi.
Fubara, on behalf of his family, the state government, and the people of the state, commiserated with the Wigwe family over the incident.
He urged them to be comforted by God’s assurances of His love.
The governor said there were no words to convey how terrible the losses are, and the state and indeed Nigeria will miss “an unassuming, iconic, and accomplished illustrious son of Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.”
He stated, “Rivers State and the nation are in tears because it would be extremely difficult to understand this sweeping loss of a family involving a strong pillar, accomplished banker and philanthropist with tentacles in the education sector.”
Fubara said the Wigwe University, which the deceased pioneered, must not be allowed to die.
Wigwe predicts his death
Meanwhile, Herbert Wigwe, who died at 57 on Friday night alongside his wife Chizoba, son and three others in a helicopter crash in California, United States, lived life to the full.
Not only did he live a successful life, he touched many lives while he was alive. And he lived the good life.
Still, he had a premonition of his death and he faced it with equanimity. Three weeks before the crash that claimed his life, he revealed so much about his imminent death and the altruistic life he had lived in a tweet he posted on January 19.
Wigwe tweeted: “Today and always, let us remember that life is a precious gift – a chance to breathe, feel, love, experience and connect.
“Let’s honour this gift by living with purpose, kindness, and gratitude, making every moment count. Let us number our days.”
