Access Bank Mourns the Loss of its Visionary Leader Herbert Wigwe
The banking industry in Nigeria and beyond is in shock and grief as the news of the demise of Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, spreads across the globe.
Wigwe, who was 57 years old, was among the six people who perished in a helicopter crash near the California-Nevada border on Friday night, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
He was reportedly on a business trip to the United States with his wife, his son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, a Nigerian lawyer.
Wigwe was a renowned banker and entrepreneur who transformed Access Bank from a small commercial bank to one of the top five banks in Nigeria and a leading financial institution in Africa.
He was also a philanthropist who founded The HOW Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports education, health, and empowerment initiatives.
Access Bank issued a statement on Saturday expressing its deep sorrow and condolences to the Wigwe family and the entire Access Bank community. The statement read in part:
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved leader, mentor, and friend, Herbert Wigwe. He was a visionary leader who inspired us with his passion, innovation, and dedication. He led Access Bank with integrity, excellence, and compassion. He touched the lives of millions of customers, employees, shareholders, and partners with his generosity and kindness. He was a pillar of support for many causes and organizations that aimed to make a positive difference in the world. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.”
The statement also assured the public that Access Bank remains committed to its vision, mission, and values, and will continue to uphold the legacy of Wigwe. It said that the bank has activated its succession plan and will announce the appointment of a new CEO in due course.
The statement concluded by requesting for privacy and prayers for the Wigwe family and the Access Bank community during this difficult time.
