WorldStage newsonline– President Bola Tinubu has described the death of Mr Herbert Wigwe and Mr Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and members of the Wigwe family as a rude shock.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, saying Tinubu has received an official confirmation of the event.
Wigwe was the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc., and Founder of HOW Foundation while Ogunbanjo was former Group Chairman of the NigeriaExchange Group Plc.
Ngelale said Tinubu mourned these exceptional Nigerian business leaders and described their passing as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.
“The President commiserates with the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by this harrowing incident.
“President Tinubu prays for the peaceful repose of the departed and asks God Almighty to comfort the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonizing moment.”
SANWO-OLU
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor in a condolence message wrote “Herbert, my brother, my friend and my adviser.
“Herbert, the king of visionary and disruptive ideas.
“I’m deeply saddened by the tragic loss of my dear brother and friend, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his dear wife Doreen, and their beloved son Chizi in a helicopter crash.
“Herbert was not just a brother and visionary leader but one of the brightest minds in Africa. His impact on our nation and beyond will be remembered forever. My heart mourns.
“Herbert’s contributions to Banking and the financial sector in Africa were unparalleled. He was an unapologetic believer in the Nigerian solution. His dedication and passion for progress inspired us all. Today, we mourn not just a leader but a true friend and brother. Lagos and Nigeria have lost a remarkable soul. Rest in peace, my brother.
“We also lost another great business leader and legal luminary, my egbon Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, who contributed significantly to the development of the Capital Markets and Corporate law in Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace.
“In this difficult time, our thoughts are with the families of all the victims, and we pray for strength and grace.”
GOV ABIODUN EXPRESSES SHOCK
Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has described as tragic the death of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings Plc, Mr Herbert Wigwe, in a helicopter crash in the United States of America.
Abiodun made the remark in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran.
The governor described the incident as a devastating loss for the families of the deseased, friends and the entire business community in Nigeria.
Abiodun said Wigwe was a quintessential banker who contributed immensely to the Nigerian economy, adding that he was a pillar of support to his administration in Ogun.
According to him, Wigwe’s death has created a void that will be difficult to fill.
He condoled with the families of the deceased, the management and staff of Access Holdings, the business communities and the Rivers government on the tragic incident.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe and five others. My thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time.
“Herbert Wigwe was not only a respected business leader but also a role model for many aspiring entrepreneurs. His contributions to the banking sector and the Nigerian economy will always be remembered,” he said.
Abiodun also condoled with the Ogunbanjos on the death of the former Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Chief Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in the crash.
He stated that Ogunbanjo was born into the family of the late Chief Chris Ogunbanjo of Erunwon in Ogun.
Abiodun described the late Ogunbanjo as not just an exceptional businessman but also a man of great character and integrity.
The governor noted that as chairman of NGX Group Plc, the deceased played a vital role in shaping the Nigerian financial market and contributed to its growth and development.
“His dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the industry.
“In moments like this, words seem inadequate to express the magnitude of our loss.
“As a state, we extend our deepest condolences to the Ogunbanjo family, friends, and colleagues,” he said.
PETER OBI MOURNS
Mr Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has expressed sadness over the loss of Access Bank Holding Company Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe in an air mishap.
Obi, who was the former governor of Anambra, made this known in a series of tweets on his official X handle on Sunday.
Obi, a businessman, said he was distressed to hear the news as Wigwe had been a close ally of his for years.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of my dear friend, Mr Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings, along with his wife and son, and another close friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former group chairman of NGX Group.
“This loss is profoundly felt across the nation. I first met Herbert during his early days, on the brink of starting his marital journey.
“I vividly remember assisting him in preparing for his traditional wedding and being there for the ceremony with his wife, Chizoba, from Achina, Anambra.
“Since then, I have maintained a connection to his endeavors in my own modest ways. Herbert, a determined and forward-thinking individual, led Access Bank to new heights.
“His noteworthy contributions extended beyond the professional realm, with commendable philanthropic efforts in health and education.
“This was exemplified by the establishment of Wigwe University, showcasing his deep commitment to education as a driver of development,” he said.
Obi said the loss of such an exceptional individual reminded mankind of the fleeting nature of life, and encouraged them to live with a purpose that contributed to the betterment of humanity.
The former governor said his heartfelt thoughts and prayers were with Herbert, his beloved wife, his son, and all those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash.
He prayers that God should grant them eternal rest and provide strength to Herbert’s family, Access Holdings, and all of them mourning the irreplaceable loss.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party prayed God to grant the deceased family members a peaceful repose.
In a statement, the management of Acces Holding said: “Dr Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, Feb. 9, 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.
” 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.”
