Access Holdings has confirmed the untimely death of its founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director, Herbert Wigwe, in a devastating helicopter accident that occurred in the United States on February 9.
The announcement was made through an official statement signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, on Sunday, February 11.
In the statement, Access Holdings expressed profound sadness over the loss, stating, “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.”
The entire Access Family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen, and Chizi, extending heartfelt sympathies to their family and loved ones. Dr. Wigwe was hailed as a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who played an instrumental role in the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002.
Reflecting on Dr. Wigwe’s legacy, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, Chairman of Access Holdings, paid tribute, stating, “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.”
As per the company’s policy, the Board will soon announce the appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, expressing confidence in the Access Group’s ability to build further on Dr. Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.
A heartfelt tribute was shared on Access Bank’s official handle, bidding farewell to a visionary leader whose passion and unwavering commitment to excellence transformed Access into a global powerhouse. The post concluded, “Rest in peace, Herbert Wigwe. Your impact will forever be felt.”
The tragic demise of Herbert Wigwe leaves a profound void in Nigeria’s corporate world, with his legacy of excellence and compassion serving as an enduring inspiration to all.
