The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has mourned the Group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, who was confirmed dead in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, United States of America.
This was as the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Sunday described Wigwe’s death as tragic.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, described the situation as a great loss to the country.
On the part of the former Anambra State governor, his condolence message was contained in a statement he posted on his X handle on Sunday.
Obi wrote, “I’m 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 State. Since then, I’ve maintained a connection to his endeavours in my own modest ways.
“Herbert, a determined and forward-thinking individual, led Access Bank to new heights following his brother Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
“The loss of such an exceptional individual reminds us of life’s fleeting nature, encouraging us to live with a purpose that contributes to the betterment of humanity. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Herbert, his beloved wife, his son, and all those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash.
“May God grant them eternal rest and provide strength to Herbert’s family, Access Holdings, and all of us mourning this irreplaceable loss.”
It was earlier reported that Wigwe, his wife, son, and three others, including Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chairman of NGX Group Plc, were feared dead when their helicopter crashed near the border of California and Nevada on Friday night.
Abiodun, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, on Sunday, described the incident as a devastating loss for the families, friends, and the entire business community in Nigeria.
The governor described Wigwe as a quintessential banker who contributed immensely to the Nigerian economy.
According to him, the banker’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 State government on the incident.
He said, “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.”
The governor also condoled the Ogunbanjos.
He described Ogunbanjo as not just an exceptional businessman but also a man of great character and integrity.
In his own condolence message on Sunday signed by Ahmed Sajoh, head of his media office, Fayemi described Wigwe as “a kind and compassionate individual who touched the lives of countless people through his philanthropy and generosity”
‘’Wigwe was a business leader who helped transform Access Bank into one of the largest and most respected financial institutions in Africa. As Group CEO, he led the bank with vision and purpose, contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s banking sector and the expansion of economic opportunities across the continent.
‘’He also founded Wigwe University because of his passion and commitment to providing quality education opportunities for young people.”
On Ogunbanjo, Fayemi said the country lost “another captain of industry and a successful entrepreneur who empowered people and communities”
