Access Bank Group CEO Dr. Herbert Wigwe has died in a helicopter crash in the United States, along with his wife Doreen Wigwe, son Chiji Wigwe and former Group Chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
Wigwe and his family were on their way to Las Vegas to watch the Super Bowl when the helicopter crashed near the Nevada-California border city around 10pm on Friday, February 9th.
Access Holdings confirmed the death of Herbert Wigwe in a statement on Sunday, describing him as a key force and an extraordinary personality who brought incredible passion, energy and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the company. Ta. Bank of 2002.
Augie Okupe interviewed Herbert Wigwe in July 2019 and gave an insight into his values, personal style and most prized possessions. Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, French President Emmanuel Macron, Labor presidential candidate Peter Obi, Heirs chairman Tony Elumelu and billionaire philanthropist Femi Otedola are among the “two” He expressed his condolences to Mr. Herbert Wigwe and Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo. One of the brightest minds in Africa.
In May 2023, Mr. Herbert Wigwe became Chairman of the France-Nigeria Business Council, which brings together top Nigerian and French companies to improve business relations and ensure day-to-day cooperation between the two countries.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences on Facebook. Herbert Wigwe also contributed to the growth of his Access Bank, which he co-founded with his friend and business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
Herbert Wigwe is one of the 447 Nigerians to be awarded the National Medal of Honor by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022, recognizing his significant contribution and outstanding service to the country. Received the Commander's Order of Merit.
Herbert Wigwe is committed to philanthropy and founded the HOW Foundation, which focuses on education, health, youth empowerment, and sustainability. Over the years, the foundation has renovated and supported 23 primary health care centers across Rivers State over five years, trained 75 doctors in Israel and the United States, and helped 13,000 Almajiri children in Kaduna State. It has poured billions of naira into education support. Among several interventions. Dr. Wigwe recently founded Wigwe University, Africa's first 'Ivy League' institution dedicated to providing world-class education and developing the next generation of fearless leaders.
