Peter Obi | File Image
‘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, the former group chairman of NGX Group’
By Valentine Amanze
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala | File Image
The Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, and the Director General, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Prof Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, have expressed sadness over the death of the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son; and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) in an helicopter crash in California, USA on Saturday.
Obi and Okonjo-Iweala stated this in their separate X handle – @PeterObi, and @NOIweala – respectively.
Obi, who missed the African Nations Cup (AFCON) final between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan, as a result of the crash, stated:
“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, the 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.
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“Herbert, a determined and forward-thinking individual, led Access Bank to new heights following his brother Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. His noteworthy contributions extended beyond the professional realm, with commendable philanthropic efforts in health and education, exemplified by the establishment of Wigwe University, showcasing his deep commitment to education as a driver of development.
“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.”
In her reaction, Okonjo-Iweala described their death as a tragic loss to humanity.
She lamented: “Terribly saddened by the news of the terrible loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO Access Bank
@HerbertOWigwe, his wife and son as well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash. My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Group employees and Management @myaccessbank
and my younger Brother Herbert’s partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
valoa2000@yahoo.com
