Plans to honour the lives of Herbert Wigwe (1966 – 2024), his wife and son and span from March 4 to March 10, 2024, as detailed in a schedule obtained.

The somber events include various ceremonies and services to pay tribute to the departed souls.

Monday, March 4, 2024 marks the Bankers Committee’s Celebration of Herbert, followed by a Service of Songs for Chizzy on Tuesday morning, March 5, 2024 and another Service of Songs for the deceased Wigwes in the evening of the same day.

On Wednesday March 6, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, a commemoration event will celebrate Herbert’s impactful contributions in the Social Impact Space, followed by an Evening Service of Songs for Herbert at Redeemed Christian Church, City of David Parish.

Thursday, March 7 is dedicated to a Service of Songs at Herbert’s Dad’s parish, along with the somber tasks of traveling to PH for Chizzy’s funeral service and interment, as well as holding Service of Songs for Herbert and his wife.

According to the schedule, Friday, March 8 is designated for the final farewell, with Funeral services and interments planned for both Herbert & Mrs. Wigwe.

Saturday, March 9 will be a day to receive guests, while Sunday, March 10 will culminate in a Thanksgiving Service to honor the lives and legacies of the departed.

Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, a revered Nigerian banker and entrepreneur, passed away at the age of 57. As the CEO of Access Holdings Plc and former Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, his leadership transformed a small commercial bank into a global financial institution.

Born on August 15, 1966, to Ikwerre parents from Omueke Isiokpo in Rivers State, Herbert attended St. Gregory’s College in Lagos for his secondary education.

He later graduated with a degree in accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1987.

Herbert Wigwe’s legacy encompasses not only his professional achievements but also his philanthropy and visionary leadership.

[Source: BusinessDay]

Her appointment was announced on Monday following the death of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, the former Group Chief Executive Officer.

Wigwe died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, son, and Abimboloa Ogunbanjo, a former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, on Friday.

A statement made by the company’s Board of Directors and dated February 12, 2024, stated that the appointment was subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Further to its announcement dated February 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has today announced the appointment of Ms Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the unfortunate demise of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024.

“The appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” the statement read in part.

Agbede who joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General, has nearly three decades of professional experience cutting across banking and business consultancy services.

She served in different roles at the bank including, Head, Group Human Resources between 2010 and 2022 before she was appointed the company’s founding Executive Director, Business Support in 2022, a role she held until her new appointment

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Cranfield University UK in 2002.

Ms. Bolaji Agbede is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the United States authorities during a media briefing Saturday (3am Nigerian time, Sunday).

Michael Graham, a National Transportation Safety Board member, said officials were on the scene to gather perishable evidence.

Graham said the team was “methodically and systematically reviewing all evidence” and considering all potential factors to determine the probable cause of the crash.

He added that although the information provided was only preliminary, witness reports suggested that a wintry weather condition was among the factors that contributed to the accident.

“The crew consisted of a pilot in command and a safety pilot. The accident flight was operated by Orbic Air LLC as a Part 135 charter flight.

“Witness reports of the weather conditions at the time of the accident suggest rain and a wintry mix.

“The helicopter was not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder or a flight data recorder. This helicopter was not required to be equipped with those types of recording devices,” Graham said.

Asked about more information on the passengers, Graham stated there were no details but added that “any names will be released through the coroner’s office” without specifying a time frame.

He added that the NTSB would look into the chopper’s airworthiness; maintenance and structure of the helicopter, operations, meteorology, and air traffic control.

“Parties to the investigation include the FAA and Orbic Air LLC. As the investigation continues, other parties could be named,” he said.

“The BEA — the French aviation accident investigation agency — will serve as an accredited representative because France is a state of the manufacturer of the Airbus helicopter and the Turbomeca engine.” (Vanguard)

The group’s statement announcing the passing of Herbert Wigwe read, “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.”

Access Holdings is a sprawling conglomerate with an asset base of over a total of N21.4 trillion by far the largest of any financial institution in Nigeria.

The company also has a market cap of over N800 billion and was recently just part of the SWOOTs.

The bank and its sprawling influence require that a decision is made sooner rather than later about the leadership of the corporation to avoid a vacuum.

The recent passing of Herbert Wigwe, former managing director of Access Bank and Group CEO of Access Holdings, has sent shockwaves through the banking community.

Wigwe’s untimely demise not only marks a profound loss for Access Holdings but also signifies a significant void in the banking sphere, even beyond the borders of Nigeria.

Wigwe’s tenure at Access Bank was nothing short of transformative. Joining the institution in 2002 as Deputy Managing Director, he played a pivotal role in its evolution. In 2014, Wigwe assumed the mantle of Managing Director, succeeding Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.

Under his leadership, Access Bank embarked on a remarkable journey of expansion, extending its reach far beyond the confines of Nigeria.

Before his untimely passing, Wigwe was serving as the chairman of Access Bank (UK) Limited, and Non-executive director of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company Plc and FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange.

The investigation is still ongoing by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into the cause of the crash.

However, NTSB member, Michael Graham while briefing journalists about the crash noted that the weather conditions at the time of the accident suggested “rain and a wintery mix”.

Wigwe was aboard the Airbus EC130 Helicopter with his wife, Chizoba, son, Chizi, and Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.

The President in a post on his verified X handle said that their passing is an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.

He extended condolences to the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by harrowing incident.

President Bola Tinubu ‘s tweet reads: “I am shocked and deeply distressed by the news of the passing of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, a distinguished banker, humanitarian, and entrepreneur, and Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, along with members of the Wigwe family – Herbert’s wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizi.

“Their passing is an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.

“I extend my condolences to the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by this harrowing incident.

“I pray for the peaceful repose of the departed and ask God Almighty to comfort the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonizing moment.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President

Federal Republic of Nigeria”

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 nation’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 6th, 2024 at the office of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN CON FCIarb (UK), as Wigwe, accompanied by his topflight team, engaged in discussions with the Honourable Minister.

Their mission: to forge a groundbreaking synergy that would elevate the nation’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 infrastructure. In exchange, the bank secured a visibility barter agreement, signaling a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing 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.

Despite his towering success and financial acumen, Wigwe remained grounded in his roots, recently investing significantly in a varsity project in his hometown of Port-Harcourt.

Beyond the boardroom, Wigwe’s charisma and warmth endeared him to all who crossed his path. His rapport with the Honourable Minister transcended the confines of business, as they exchanged banter and sealed their agreement with a handshake, emblematic of their shared vision for a prosperous Nigeria.

As we bid farewell to Herbert Wigwe, we mourn the loss of a visionary leader whose legacy extends far beyond the realm of finance.

His unwavering dedication to his nation 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.

Adieu, Herbert Wigwe. Your presence will be sorely missed, but your legacy will endure as a beacon of hope and progress.

*Tunde Moshood is the SA Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development

He was the CEO of Access Holdings Plc, traded as Access Corporation until he reportedly died in a chopper clash in the United States on February 10, 2024.

Herbert was the Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank plc, one of Nigeria’s top five banking institutions, after succeeding his business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede in January 2014 till April 2022.

He was married to Chizoba Wigwe (née Nwuba) and had 4 children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah and David.

Herbert Wigwe hailed from Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, but lived and worked in Lagos.

In January 2015, Nigerian newspaper The Punch described him as “one of Nigeria’s stylish top executives”.

Report has it that he had speaking engagements across the world including most recently at Silicon Valley and Financial Times summit in Mozambique. In 2016, Wigwe founded The HOW Foundation, a non-profit organization

In October 2022, a Nigerian national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) was conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari

Wigwe was named 2016 Banker of The Year separately by The Sun and Vanguard newspapers, two of Nigeria’s biggest newspapers.

In 2002, Wigwe and his business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede bought into what was then a small commercial bank, Access Bank – at the time, the 65th largest of the 89 banks in the country

Access Bank is now one of the top five banks in Nigeria and ranked among the top 500 global banks according to a 2015 report by The Banker magazine and is aiming to be Africa’s top bank. It currently serves over 6.5 million account-holders, through 350 branches and with more than 1,500 ATMs in major centres across Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa and the UK.[4]

Wigwe also served as the Chairman of Access Bank Ghana Limited, Access Investment & Securities Limited, Central Securities and Clearing System (CSCS) and is the current Chairman of Access Bank (UK) Limited.

Herbert Wigwe is a board member of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company and a member of the advisory Board for Friends Africa. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria

He started his professional career with Coopers & Lybrand Associates, an international firm of Chartered Accountants.

He spent over 10 years at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc where he managed several portfolios, including financial institutions, large corporates and multinationals.

He left Guaranty Trust Bank as an Executive Director to co-lead the transformation of Access Bank Plc in March 2002 as Deputy Managing Director.

Herbert Wigwe was appointed Group Managing Director/CEO effective January 1, 2014 and served in that capacity till May 2022.

He was subsequently appointed a Non-Executive Director of the Bank effective May 2022.

Wigwe is also  an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Management Programme. He holds a master’s degree in Banking and International Finance from the University College of North Wales, a master’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of London and a B.Sc. degree in Accounting from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Career /Professional Trajectory of Mr Hebert

May 2022-Date Non-Executive Director, Access Bank Plc – June 2007

Fellow, The Institute of Credit Administration Effective – May 2022

Member-Board Human Resources and Sustainability Committee January 2014-May 2022

Group Managing Director Access Bank Plc – effective 2008

Chairman, Access Bank UK – November 2004

Honorary Member of Chartered Institute of Bankers Nigeria

Member-Board Credit Committee – March 2002-December 2013

Group Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc – May 2001

Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA)

Member-Board Risk Management Committee – December 1999-February 2002

Executive Director, GTB – September 1996

MSC Financial Economics, University of London

Member-Board Digital and Information Technology Committee – May 1999 – Dec., 1999

Group Head – Institutional Banking Group (Deputy General Manager), GTB – October 1, 1990 – Sept 1991

M.A. Banking and Finance, University College of North Wales

Member-Board Technical Committee on Retail Expansion – May 1996 – May 1998

Group Head: Energy Group (Assistant General Manager), GTB – October 1989

Associate of Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria (ACA) – November 1991 – May 1996

Corporate Bank (Deputy Manager -Manager) GTB  – September 1983 – June 1987

B.Sc. Accountancy (2nd Class Upper Division) – University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu Campus – Sept 1989 – Sept 1990

Credit Analyst, Kapital Merchant Bank, Lagos – July 1988 – Sept 1989

Audit Trainee- Coopers and Lybrand – Chartered Accountants – Sept 1987 – July 1988

Graduate Assistant, Coopers and Lybrand Associates Limited, Lagos.

Sources said the chopper was headed to Las Vegas when it crashed near a border city between Nevada and California on Friday night.

The US government confirmed all on board dead.

Read here about the man: Herbert Wigwe.