Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, FCA, has mourned the death of Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, and others that died in a helicopter crash in the United States of America (USA).
The bank CEO was killed alongside his wife, son and others in a crash that occurred in California, USA, on Friday.
In a statement today by Senator Abiru who was late Wigwe’s friend and professional colleague, he said that the late Access Bank CEO left his mark on the global financial industry, and inspired many with his leadership.
“I am devastated by the sad news of the helicopter crash in California, United States of America, that claimed the life of my dear friend, brother and professional colleague, Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, his lovely wife of many years, son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group PLC, alongside two others”, Abiru mourned.
“Herbert Wigwe’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence left an indelible mark in the business world, particularly banking and financial services industry. His passion, dedication, and innovative spirit have inspired many, and his legacy will be remembered far beyond his years”, he said.
Abiru, who is representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, described late Wigwe as fearless financial expert who gave birth to many ideas that have impacted humanity.
“A fearless and accomplished accountant and businessman, Herbert exemplified commitment to causes of public good and national development, evident in initiatives like the Wigwe University project and numerous philanthropic gestures across Nigeria, and beyond. This is a national tragedy of monumental proportion”, he said.
“Having maintained a personal relationship with Herbert since our days at Guaranty Trust Bank in 1991, I witnessed his extraordinary goal-driven professionalism. He reached the pinnacle of his career in the banking industry and business, leaving an indelible mark on the generation of accomplished bankers who cut their teeth at Guaranty Trust Bank”.
The banker turned politicians also sympathized with Access bank staff for the loss of their boss in the unfortunate incident in USA, and charged them to uphold the values he and others that died, lived for to immortalize their memories.
“As we come to terms with this devastating loss, we share in the grief of Access Holdings PLC, the families, friends, and colleagues of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident”, he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this unimaginably difficult time. May the memories of Herbert Wigwe and all those who died in the helicopter crash, comfort and strengthen all those who knew and loved them. Ameen. Let us remember their contributions and honor their lives by continuing to uphold the values they believed in.
“And in this time of sorrow, and as we navigate this dark moment, let our resolve in Almighty God remain unwavered. God bless”, Sen. Abiru said.
