The late Herbert Wigwe, the former Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc, was honoured by his friends, family, and associates at a tribute night in Lagos on Monday.
Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash in the United States on February 9, 2024, along with his wife, son, and two others, was remembered as a visionary leader, a successful entrepreneur, and a generous philanthropist.
The event, tagged ‘Celebrating Herbert Wigwe – A Professional Legacy’, was attended by some of the country’s top businessmen, governors, and government officials, who eulogized Wigwe’s achievements and contributions to the nation’s economy and development.
Among the dignitaries were the Chairman of Dangote Group Aliko Dangote, the CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun; the President of the African Development Bank Group Akinwumi Adesina, the Governors of Lagos and Ogun States, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun, and the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Channels Media Group, John Momoh and Shola Momoh.
Dangote, who broke down in tears while delivering his tribute, described Wigwe as his brother and friend, who was a pillar of support to him and his family.
“He was a rare gem, a man of integrity, and a great leader. He was always there for me, in good and bad times. I will miss him dearly,” Dangote said, as he announced that he had renamed the road leading to the Dangote Refinery in Lagos after Wigwe.
Sanwo-Olu, who also spoke at the event, said Wigwe embodied the true spirit of Lagos, as he was a “completely detribalised” person, who invested in the state and empowered its people.
“Lagos will not forget Herbert Wigwe. He was a son of the soil, who made us proud. He was a role model for many young entrepreneurs and professionals. He left a legacy of excellence and impact,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Other speakers, including Cardoso, Edun, and Adesina, also praised Wigwe’s ingenuity, creativity, and generosity, saying he was a man who “touched everything with gold”.
Wigwe, who joined Access Bank in 2002 as the Deputy Managing Director, and rose to become the Group CEO in 2014.
Under his leadership, Access Bank became one of the largest and most profitable banks in Africa, with operations in 12 countries and over 40 million customers.
He was an advocate of financial inclusion, women empowerment, and social responsibility. He initiated and supported various initiatives and programmes to promote these causes.
Wigwe was 57 years old when he died.
