By Bolaji Peters (SIWES student, Polytechnic Iresi)
Following the tragic demise of Access Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe, distinguished Nigerians have offered their condolences and shared fond recollections of the influential entrepreneur.
President Bola Tinubu, along with several state governors, lauded Wigwe’s adept leadership in expanding the bank’s operations and his significant contributions to the financial industry.
Wigwe, alongside his wife, son, and a former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group, met their untimely demise in a helicopter crash while on a private excursion in the United States.
Tributes from President Tinubu, state governors, and others depict the late Herbert Wigwe as a remarkable banker and leader.
Under his stewardship, Access Bank witnessed remarkable growth, evolving from a modest bank to one of Nigeria’s top financial institutions.
His visionary leadership was instrumental in the bank’s success and its transformation into a holding company.
Wigwe was renowned for his innovative strategies and his commitment to positioning Access Bank as a global financial entity.
Wigwe, who co-founded Access Bank at the age of around 36, left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s financial landscape.
His leadership saw Access Bank’s acquisition of Intercontinental Bank and later, Diamond Bank.
President Tinubu, in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of these exceptional business leaders, describing it as an overwhelming tragedy.
Governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State, and Alex Otti of Abia State, among others, extended their condolences to the bereaved families, highlighting Wigwe’s remarkable contributions to Africa’s banking sector.
Sanwo-Olu mourned the loss of his dear friend, Herbert Wigwe, emphasizing Wigwe’s profound impact on Nigeria’s financial landscape and his unwavering commitment to progress.
