President Bola Tinubu has described the death of the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”
This came after the official confirmation of a helicopter crash that killed the top banker, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc., Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, along with members of the Wigwe family.
“Bola Tinubu receives the news with shock and deep distress… and mourns these exceptional Nigerian business leaders,” a statement on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, read.
The statement is titled, ‘President Tinubu mourns CEO of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo and family members.’
Wigwe died in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, United States of America, on Friday.
On Sunday, Access Holdings Plc confirmed the accident and those killed in the helicopter accident.
A statement signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, read, “It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) announces the passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’).
“Dr. Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024 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.”
United States authorities said preliminary reports suggest that a wintry weather condition contributed to the crash.
The President condoled 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 agonising moment,” said Ngelale.
