One year after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director of Access Holdings, alongside his wife, Chizoba, their son, Chizi, and former Nigerian Stock Exchange President, Abimbola Ogunbajo, tributes continue to pour in for the late banking icon.
At a solemn remembrance service held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Wigwe as “more than a banker,” emphasizing his contributions to nation-building, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and philanthropy.
“Wigwe was a builder of institutions, of dreams, and of people,” Tinubu said in a speech delivered by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. “Nigeria has lost a shining star, but the light Wigwe lit in our nation will never be dimmed.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo echoed similar sentiments, noting that Wigwe’s passing left “an indelible void” in Nigeria’s financial sector.
“Whenever I come across Access Bank today, memories of Herbert Wigwe come flooding back. He was larger than life,” Obasanjo said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reflected on Wigwe’s deep commitment to the state’s progress, stating that his absence had been strongly felt.
“There are projects that would no doubt have moved faster today if Herbert were around. He believed in Lagos and worked tirelessly to help us mobilize funding and partnerships,” Sanwo-Olu said.
International recognition of Wigwe’s impact also came from French President Emmanuel Macron, who, through France’s Consul General in Lagos, Laurent Favier, described him as “an exceptional entrepreneur, a friend of the arts, and a man who served his country and the public interest.”
As Nigeria marks one year since his passing, Wigwe’s enduring legacy continues to inspire, serving as a testament to his visionary leadership and dedication to progress.
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