The death of the founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’), Dr. Herbert Wigwe, has been announced in Lagos.
In a statement on Sunday by the Sunday Ekwochi announced that “It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) announces the passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’). Dr. Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024 in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.
“The entire Access Family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen and Chizi. We extend our deep and sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones.
“Dr. Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002.
However, in his tribute to his passage, Chairman of Access Holdings, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, said “The Access Family has suffered a major loss with the passing of Dr. Wigwe who was a great friend and fine gentleman.
“He had a prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities, and vast business experience which he brought to bear on the Access Family and for which we owe him a debt of gratitude.
“In line with the Company’s policy, the Board will soon announce the appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer even as we remain confident that the Access Group will build further on Dr. Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.”
Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son with According to ThisDay, Olushola flew with Wigwe, his wife, son and former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo were killed in a helicopter crash which happened in a desert between California and Nevada states on Friday night.
He was heading to Las Vegas to watch the Super Bowl which came up Saturday.
They had flown from London, United Kingdom to Palm Springs, a city in California, US.
May his soul, and the others rest in perfect peace.