Nigerians have grieved over the death of the group’s CEO of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe who reportedly died to chopper crash which occurred in the United States on Friday.
The former Managing Director of Access Bank, Wigwe, was reportedly on board a chopper with his wife, son and three other passengers when the unfortunate incident happened at California.
While other reports said that Wigwe was accompanied by his wife and son, along with Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), found themselves involved in this crash.
It further stated that they were heading for Las Vegas to watch Super Bowl, the annual league championship game of the National Football League (NFL) of the United States before the unfortunate incident that took their lives.
In his reaction, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo said the reported tragic loss of his friend, brother and not-far-away neighbour in Lagos, Herbert Wigwe, the co-founder of Access Bank, the CEO of Access Holdings and the founder of Wigwe University, is very devastating.
He recalled that the Access Bank Boss was in his office earlier this week and actually left his office to fly out of the country and never came back, Keyamo said, “I am also shocked to learn his wife, son and other friends were involved in this tragedy.
“We were on the verge of announcing something big for the aviation sector, the reason he actually came to the office with his entire team, both from Access and Wigwe University. This is surreal and I am lost for words”, the Minister said.
Keyamo prayed that the Almighty God comfort Wigwe’s aged parents and sibling who he said were also his neighbours in Lagos for many years as a very young lawyer in Anthony Village, extended the prayers to Wigwe’s immediate family members, staff, friends across Nigeria and dependents.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga said the death of Herbert Wigwe is a terrible blow for Nigeria, Africa’s banking industry, adding that Wigwe had a big vision to make Access Holdings Africa’s biggest, with all the unquenchable thirst for acquisitions.
Onanuga noted that the Access Bank Boss, Wigwe also made a mark in his community, by building a university, that once told him that he will make a difference by focusing on entrepreneurship. “He has now left all to return to his maker”.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace. May the souls of his wife Chizoba, son and lawyer Abimbola Ogunbanjo, who died in the same ghastly copper crash in California desert also rest in peace”, the Special Adviser to the President prayed.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite in her reaction said, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic helicopter crash involving Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son. My heartfelt condolences go out to you during this incredibly difficult time.
“May you find strength and solace in the cherished memories you hold dear. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate through this unimaginable grief”, the Minister prayed.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar while reacting on X said, “In the words of one of Nigeria’s finest CEOs, Herbert Wigwe, “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. I’m deeply saddened to hear about unfortunate incident that led to loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, and his family.
“Indeed, Herbert Wigwe, consummate banker, education promoter, philanthropist, numbered his days. On behalf of my family, my heart goes out to loved ones, everyone affected by this unfortunate incident. May their souls rest in peace”, the 2023 People’s Democratic Party Presidential candidate prayed.
World Trade Organization WTO Director- General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said, “Terribly saddened by the news of the terrible loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO Access Bank, his wife and son as well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash.
Adding, “My deepest sympathies and condolences to Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Group employees and Management, my younger Brother Herbert’s partner Aigboje Aig- Imoukhuede. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace”, Okonjo-Iweala prayed.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Director- General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi saddened by the loss of Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings Plc, who passed away tragically in a helicopter accident.
Paying his tribute, Kashifu said Wigwe was a visionary leader and his passion extended beyond finance, adding thay the Access Bank Boss was profoundly committed to supporting Nigerian youth.
He said, “Through The HOW Foundation, he dedicated himself to empowering the next generation, and his efforts to establish Wigwe University showcase his unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.
“Herbert’s legacy of nurturing young minds and fostering educational opportunities will continue to inspire us. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this time. Rest in peace, Herbert. Your impact will not be forgotten”, NITDA Boss stated.
Olumide Idowu popularly known as Mr Climate grieved, says “this is a day that will forever live in infamy. Herbert Wigwe was a visionary, shaping the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs through Herbert Wigwe University.
“His passing, alongside his family, is a heartbreaking tragedy. Rest in peace to everyone we lost on that ill-fated helicopter flight”, Olumide Idowu prayed.