- Herbert Wigwe passed on a year ago in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, Doreen, their son, Chizi, and a former Chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX), Abimbola Ogunbanjo
- Presidents and governors paid tributes to his memory in commemoration of his death
- Nigerians were not left out as they took to social media to honour Wigwe’s legacy
One year after the tragic demise of Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Nigerians and people from all walks of life continue to honour his legacy.
Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash in California, United States of America, on Saturday, February 9, 2024, in the Mojave Desert near the California-Nevada border in the United States, alongside his wife, Doreen, their son, Chizi, and a former Chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX), Abimbola Ogunbanjo, is fondly remembered for his role in transforming Access Bank from a regional Nigerian bank to a global lender.
In commemoration of his death, family, business associates, staff, and institutions held memorial services to reflect on the life and time of the astute businessman.
TheRadar highlights some of the encomiums that continue to pour in honour of the late Herbert Wigwe.
Presidents and governors reflect on Wigwe’s legacy
The first-year memorial service in honour of Wigwe, his wife Doreen, and their son, Chizi, organised by Access Holdings in Lagos on Sunday, February 9, provided an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of Wigwe.
It was attended by the late Wigwe’s family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones, as well as President Emmanuel Macron of France; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun; Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; present and former public office holders; captains of industries; renowned bankers; and business tycoons.
In his tribute, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said Wigwe built dreams and institutions and was not confined to the “boardroom and balance sheet.”
“Herbert embodied vision, excellence, and generosity. He was deeply committed to uplifting society. His impact was felt in the lives he touched, opportunities he created, and hopes he inspired,” he said.
In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu said Wigwe’s death is a big loss to Lagos State, describing him as a believer in actions, who transformed visions into reality.
Sanwo-Olu said, “He lived perpetually in the present and the future. He believed in actions, not just words. I saw him transform vision into reality. When others hesitated, he moved. When others saw obstacles, he saw opportunities. He truly believed in Nigeria and Africa.
“He was a builder of men and businesses, turning visions into reality. His absence is deeply felt in Lagos State, as there are projects today that would have progressed faster if he were still with us. Herbert made my work easier by mobilising partners and funding for state projects.”
President Emmanuel Macron reflected on the bilateral relationship Wigwe built between Nigeria and France.
Macron said, “He made significant contributions as Chairman of the Nigeria-France Business Council, strengthening the bilateral relationship and friendship between France and Nigeria.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo highlighted Wigwe’s dedication to building and nurturing relationships.
He said, “Despite his success, he remained accessible and committed to nurturing relationships. He understood that true leadership involves building both institutions and people. His legacy is a testament to what Africans can achieve through vision, determination, and collaboration.”
Nigerians are not left out
As tributes trail the memorial of the first death anniversary of Wigwe, Nigerians are not left out, as they call for a replication of his selflessness and dedication to humanity.
In a tweet on Sunday, February 9, the Chief Executive Officer of fintech company, Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola, reflected on the support Wigwe gave the startup in its early years.
He tweeted, “Time really does fly. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since we lost Dr. @HerbertOWigwe —a visionary leader whose impact still inspires us. He believed in Africa’s potential and, more importantly, in people. I will always be grateful for the rare opportunity and support he gave us in the earlier days of founding @theflutterwave.
“Today, as we remember him, I celebrate the countless lives he touched and the legacy he left behind— He showed us that a helping hand, extended at the right moment, can change everything. Continue to Rest in Peace Sir.”
@Maajiidris wrote, “May your soul, with those of all the departed, rest in eternal peace. Amen!
“Your kindness & legacy endure! Your goodness & legacies live on! I hope we can all emulate your faithfulness, passion, strength and dedication to innovation, building, nurturing, and helping others.”
@Victor_Tams said, “Today, I honor Dr. Herbert Wigwe, a beacon of fearless leadership, a man whose heart was as vast as his vision for education. A man with a dream that will inspire the next generation to lead boldly, without the shackles of fear. Rest in peace, my leader.”
@AdewaleTinubu tweeted, “Yesterday, at the memorial service of Herbert Wigwe, a popular saying came to mind: “At the end of the day, people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”
“We were reminded that Herbert lived a life of impact, and it was evident that most people at the event were there in part because he had practiced what he preached; he embodied his values. This service, a mark of respect, was a fitting tribute to his memory.”
Herbert Wigwe, One Year After: From co-rescuing fledgling bank to building world-class university
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier looked into the profile of Herbert Wigwe, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, from co-rescuing a fledgling bank to building a world-class university.
It has been one year since the tragic demise of Wigwe and people across all walks of life are still commemorating his death and reminiscing about his impact.
