As the events to commemorate the life of the esteemed Group CEO of Access Holdings PLC, Herbert Wigwe, began on Monday, a gathering of corporate titans, colleagues, and friends paid homage to the professional legacy of this extraordinary leader, banker, and entrepreneur.
Among the distinguished speakers were notable figures such as Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chairman of Dangote Group Aliko Dangote, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Access Bank GMD Roosevelt Ogbonna, and Herbert’s long-time business partner Aigboje Aig-Imokuede, among others.
Reflecting on Wigwe’s remarkable qualities, Nigerian politician Ibrahim Dakwambo described him as a fearless risk-taker who relentlessly pursued his goals, ultimately achieving admirable heights in his lifetime. Segun Agbaje, Group CEO of GT Holdings, fondly recalled Wigwe as a friend and competitor who skillfully balanced both roles, earning admiration from all who knew him.
Renowned Nigerian lawyer Gbenga Oyebode hailed Wigwe’s fearlessness, emphasizing that his indomitable legacy would endure beyond his lifetime. He reassured the deceased’s family that Wigwe’s dreams and aspirations would be realized by his friends.
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, remembered Wigwe as a record-breaker and boundary-pusher, a pillar of strength and support to many. Dangote announced his decision to immortalize Wigwe by naming a major refinery and petrochemical road after him, a testament to his enduring impact.
Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, born in August 1966, began his illustrious career at Access Bank in 2002 and rose through the ranks to become Group Managing Director and CEO in 2014. Prior to his tenure at Access Bank, Wigwe served as a management consultant for Coopers & Lybrand and held executive roles at Guaranty Trust Bank.
Wigwe’s leadership extended beyond Access Bank, as he chaired various institutions including Access Bank (Ghana), Access Investment & Securities Limited, and Central Securities and Clearing System (CSCS). He was also actively involved in advisory boards such as Friends Africa and the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company.
A distinguished scholar, Wigwe held multiple degrees and certifications, including a B.Sc. in Accounting from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an Executive Management Programme certificate from Harvard Business School. He was recognized as Banker of the Year in 2016 by both The Sun and Vanguard newspapers.
Tragically, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son met their untimely demise on February 9 while en route to watch the Super Bowl game. Their helicopter crashed near a border city between Nevada and California, with no survivors located according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
As the world mourns the loss of Herbert Wigwe, his legacy as a visionary leader, compassionate mentor, and devoted family man will continue to inspire generations to come.