Banks CEOs, NICA, others mourn Herbert Wigwe

The Body of Banks’ Chief Executive Officers in Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria have mourned the late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe.

In a statement on Monday, which was signed by the Chairman of the Body of Banks CEOs, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, the deceased was described as a transformational leader, who contributed to the development of the banking industry in Nigeria and the economy at large.

The body said, “We mourn the passing of our colleague, friend and brother, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe, CFR, FCIB. Herbert was the immediate Past Chairman of the Body of Banks’ CEOs, a position he held from May 2016 to May 2022.

“He was a visionary, charismatic and transformational leader, who contributed significantly to the development of the banking industry in Nigeria and the economy at large.

“Herbert was a staunch advocate for positive change. His impact traversed generational, gender and geographical boundaries. The Body of Banks’ CEOs express our heartfelt condolences to the Wigwe Family, the Board, Management and Staff of Access Holdings Plc.”

 Wigwe died on Friday at age of 57 in a chopper crash in the United States of America.

His wife, Doreen; son, Chizi; and a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, lost their lives in the helicopter crash, which occurred near a border town between California and Nevada.

The CIBN President,  Ken Opara, in the statement, said, “Dr Wigwe was a visionary leader, a trailblazer, a corporate titan, a man with the Midas touch and one of the greatest minds from Africa, whose legacies and footprints span the entire globe.

“His legendary contributions to the growth and development of the Instuttte, the Banking Industry and the Nigerian economy at large is unparalled and will ever remain indelible in our hearts. He will surely be missed.”

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Credit Administration said Wigwe made huge contributions to the credit industry and economy at large.

It said this in a statement signed by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, National Institute of Credit Administration, Prof. Chris Onalo.

According to the statement, until the passing away of Wigwe, he was an active Fellow of NICA.

 It noted, “We recognise his immeasurable contributions to the credit industry in Nigeria, and lasting legacies in the economy at large. The shocking news is a huge, irreparable loss, which has caused a piercing pain that only time can heal.

“As we express our deepest condolences to his loved ones, we pray that may they find solace in the knowledge that his contributions have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian economy, as well as countless lives that he has touched.”

Also, the Bank Directors Association of Nigeria has commiserated with the families of the late Group Chief Executive Offier of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe and a former Group Chairman of Nigeria Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, who died in a helicopter crash in the United States of America.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Chairman, Board of Directors, BDAN, Mustafa Chike-Obi and its Chief Executive, Adebukola Orenuga, on Monday.

BDAN noted that the banking sector in Nigeria and Africa was impacted by the untimely death of the duo.

Wigwe, his wife, Doreen; son Chizi; and Ogunbanjo, lost their lives in the helicopter crash which occurred near a border town between California and Nevada.

BDAN stated, “On behalf of the Banking sector in Nigeria and Africa at large, the Bank Directors Association of Nigeria is deeply saddened to hear about the untimely passing unto glory of the Co-Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe; along with his wife, Chizoba and son, Chizi.

“Dr. Wigwe was an icon and a respected leader in the Banking industry and his presence will be sorely missed. He will be fondly remembered for his significant contributions to the Banking Industry, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence. We also commiserate with the family of Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of Nigeria Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group). This is a great loss to the Banking and Financial Services Sector, and Nigeria as a country. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones and the Access Holdings Team at this challenging time. We pray that they rest in perfect peace.”