HERBERT Wigwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, and two other members of his family tragically died in a fatal helicopter crash near the California-Nevada border recently.

Plans to honour the lives of Herbert Wigwe (1966 – 2024), his wife and son and span from March 4 to March 10, 2024, as detailed in a schedule obtained by BusinessDay. The somber events include various ceremonies and services to pay tribute to the departed souls.

Monday, March 4, 2024 marks the Bankers Committee’s Celebration of Herbert, followed by a Service of Songs for Chizzy on Tuesday morning, March 5, 2024 and another Service of Songs for the deceased Wigwes in the evening of the same day.

On Wednesday March 6, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, a commemoration event will celebrate Herbert’s impactful contributions in the Social Impact Space, followed by an Evening Service of Songs for Herbert at Redeemed Christian Church, City of David Parish.Atiku, Okonjo-Iweala mourn as Access Holdings CEO, Wigwe, wife, son killed in US helicopter crash

Thursday, March 7 is dedicated to a Service of Songs at Herbert’s Dad’s parish, along with the somber tasks of traveling to PH for Chizzy’s funeral service and interment, as well as holding Service of Songs for Herbert and his wife.

According to the schedule, Friday, March 8 is designated for the final farewell, with Funeral services and interments planned for both Herbert & Mrs. Wigwe.

Saturday, March 9 will be a day to receive guests, while Sunday, March 10 will culminate in a Thanksgiving Service to honor the lives and legacies of the departed.

Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, a revered Nigerian banker and entrepreneur, passed away at the age of 57. As the CEO of Access Holdings Plc and former Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, his leadership transformed a small commercial bank into a global financial institution.

Born on August 15, 1966, to Ikwerre parents from Omueke Isiokpo in Rivers State, Herbert attended St. Gregory’s College in Lagos for his secondary education. He later graduated with a degree in accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1987. Herbert Wigwe’s legacy encompasses not only his professional achievements but also his philanthropy and visionary leadership.

 

Source: Businessday Newspapers

 

Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, a revered Nigerian banker and entrepreneur, passed away at the age of 57. As the CEO of Access Holdings Plc and former Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, his leadership transformed a small commercial bank into a global financial institution.

 

 

Tony Elumelu, a prominent figure in business and philanthropy, expresses deep sorrow and distress at the untimely passing of Herbert Wigwe and Bimbo Ogunbanjo. Describing them as “Great Lights” and “True Patriots,” Elumelu reflects on the significant contributions both individuals made to Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

In a heartfelt statement, Elumelu notes, “The news of Herbert Wigwe’s and Bimbo Ogunbanjo’s untimely passing is terribly sad and distressing. Nigeria, indeed Africa, has lost two of our brightest minds. I admired them both, and we all shared the desire to drive Nigeria’s transformation.”

Herbert Wigwe, recognized as an exceptional talent, devoted his efforts to advancing the banking and financial sector in Nigeria through his role at Access Holdings. Similarly, Bimbo Ogunbanjo’s tenure as the Group Chairman of the NGX group was marked by excellence and dedication.

Elumelu emphasizes the profound impact of their leadership and entrepreneurial drive, stating, “Both will be sorely missed by all. Their leadership and entrepreneurial drive will continue to serve as shining examples to millions of our young people.”

The business tycoon extends his condolences to the families affected by this tragedy, saying, “May Bimbo, Herbert, his dear wife, Chizoba, and his son, Chizi, rest in perfect peace. May God give their immediate families strength and grace in this difficult time.”

Tony Elumelu encourages the community to join him in remembering and honoring the legacies of Herbert Wigwe and Bimbo Ogunbanjo, emphasizing the enduring impact they have had on Nigeria’s business landscape.

 

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“May Bimbo, Herbert, his dear wife, Chizoba, and his son, Chizi, rest in perfect peace. May God give their immediate families strength and grace in this difficult time.”

 

In a solemn statement today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed profound shock and distress at the untimely demise of Mr. Hubert Wigwe, a distinguished banker, humanitarian, and entrepreneur, who, along with his wife Chizoba and son Chizi, tragically lost their lives in a recent crash in the United States.

President Tinubu remarked, “I am deeply distressed by the news of the passing of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, a distinguished banker, humanitarian, and entrepreneur, and Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, along with members of the Wigwe family – Herbert’s wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizi.”

The President described their passing as an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension. He extended heartfelt condolences to the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by this harrowing incident.

In this moment of deep sorrow, President Tinubu offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and requested God Almighty to bring comfort to the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving, as well as to the families of the deceased, during this profoundly agonizing time.

The President urged the nation to stand united in support of the affected families and collectively mourn the loss of these respected individuals. The entire country shares in the sorrow and mourns the departure of these exemplary citizens.