Access Bank CEO Wigwe, wife, son, die in US chopper crash
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Mr Herbert Wigwe, died in a helicopter crash in the United States on Friday night. The crash was said to have occurred at 10:12pm local time, which was on around 7am in Nigeria.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the crash occurred near Nipton, California, with six people on board.
A statement yesterday on the website of the FAA read: “A Eurocopter EC 130 helicopter crashed near Nipton, California, around 10pm, local time on Friday, February 9. Six people were on board.
“The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide updates.”
As at Saturday morning, no survivors had been found, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff ’s Department.
“We were made aware of a downed aircraft at approximately 10:12pm on February 10, 2024. The scene of the crash was determined to be east of the 15-Freeway, near Halloran Springs Road,” the Sheriff ’s Department said.
Reports later emerged Saturday evening confirming Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba and son, as well as his business partner,
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on leaders in the country to renew their commitment to serving the people as government strives to address the prevailing challenges confronting Nigerians.
Shettima, who made the appeal at the 38th anniversary of the Shiekh Ibrahim Niass Alkaulakhy National Maulid yesterday in Abuja, said the celebration called for renewal of commitment to service by leaders at all levels.
In his address titled, ‘Serving Humanity, the vice president said the event was “an invitation to renew commitment to embody the spirit of serving humanity.”
Abimbola Ogunbanjo, a former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), to be on board the ill-fated chopper.
Two other persons, who were yet to be identified as at press time, were also on board, with authorities saying no survivor had been found.
The Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described Wigwe’s death as tragic, saying he was a visionary man.
In a statement by his media aide, Tunde Mashood, the minister said, “In a shocking turn of events, the world just bid a painful farewell to Herbert Wigwe, the esteemed CEO of Access Holdings, who died in a tragic helicopter crash that claimed his life, beloved wife, child and business partner, Bimbo Ogunbanjo.
“Their journey, which began with ambitious business aspirations, ended abruptly, leaving behind a void felt not only in the corporate world but also in the hearts of those who knew them.
“Wigwe, a luminary in the banking and financial sector, was not merely a tycoon chasing profits, he was a visionary leader with a fervent dedication to his country’s progress. His untimely demise occurred during a crucial juncture as he sought to revolutionize Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
“A scene was set recently, specifically on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at the office of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), CON FCIarb (UK), as Wigwe,
The VP, who also spoke on the teachings of the Holy Prophet and the responsibility of leaders, said the intersection of faith leaders and political leaders was a sacred space where the responsibilities of service converged.
According to him, every leader is driven by a profound sense of duty, noting that “each of us strives to promote the welfare of the people we serve. This is the essence of our shared purpose.
He stressed that, “Whether in times of celebration or challenge, the unity of the leaders of any group becomes a powerful force for positive change. It is within this intersection that we find a common ground to identify with accompanied by his topflight team, engaged in discussions with the minister.
“Their mission was to forge a groundbreaking synergy that would elevate the country’s airports to global standards.
“Access Bank, under Wigwe’s astute leadership, pledged to undertake the refurbishment of vital airport facilities, including toilets, lifts and other visible infrastructures. In exchange, the bank secured a visibility barter agreement, signaling a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing our people’s aspirations, joys and struggles.
“More than mere collaboration, it is a testimony to our collective stewardship. So, again, we are grateful for your hospitality and honour.”
Senator Shettima appealed to the faithful of the major religious groups in the country to always “engage in tangible efforts to understand one another.
“More than ever, we appeal to you to remain the voices of reason in bridging the gaps between knowledge and ignorance, between reality and mischief. To honour the legacy of Rasul, sincerely, we must fulfill the noble injunction of being the best of people by bringing the maximum benefit,” he said. both customer experience and national pride.
“During the intense negotiations that ran for hours, Wigwe’s passion for his country’s aviation sector was palpable. His enthusiasm was not merely a business facade but a genuine commitment to fostering progress and excellence.”
“His unwavering dedication to his country and his indomitable spirit serve as inspiration to us all. Though he may have left this world prematurely, his vision and values will continue to guide us as we strive for a brighter future,” Keyamo stated.
The man, Wigwe
Herbert Wigwe, who was born on August 15, 1966, had a degree in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, an MA in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor) and an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of London. He was also an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Management Programme.
Wigwe started his career at Coopers & Lybrand, Lagos as a management consultant, later qualifying as a chartered accountant.
After a stint at Capital Bank, he joined Guaranty Trust Bank, where he spent over a decade working in corporate and institutional banking before rising to become the executive director in charge of institutional banking.
At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wigwe championed the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID), an initiative to support government’s efforts in the fight against COVID19 pandemic.
The initiative also directly provided food palliatives to millions of families during the COVID-19 induced lockdown.
He recently established a university in his community in Delta State, which he said would be the best in Africa.
The university was just about taking off when the crash occurred, claiming his life.
Maulid: Shettima urges leaders to renew commitment to service