By Laraba MUREY
Tributes have continued to pour in for Dr. Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, who died in a fatal helicopter crash alongside his wife, son, a former Chairman of Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbajo, and three others on Saturday in the United States.
Leading the tribute, President Bola Tinubu described the death of Wigwe, as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”
“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.
Governors in separate tributes have all attested to the late Wigwe’s industry, spirit of excellence and a business icon of repute.
The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, in a statement on Sunday, described Wigwe’s death as a huge blow to the banking and financial sector not just in Nigeria but across Africa and the world.
He said, “I received with utmost shock and sadness the tragic death of one of Nigeria’s sterling banker and business icon, Dr. Herbert Wigwe alongside his wife, son and others aboard a helicopter in the United States. This a huge blow to the banking and financial sector not just in Nigeria, but across Africa and the world.
“Dr. Wigwe was a shining example of industry, brinkmanship and dedication to all of humanity. Dying at a time when he is pioneering world class education through his Wigwe University is a devastating loss to this lofty dream and all who hoped on him. My deepest condolences to his family, his community, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc., his friends and associates.
“As painful as this death is, Dr. Wigwe will be remembered for the impactful life he lived and his unflinching dedication to excellence. May God rest the souls of all those in that tragic crash. Amen.”
His Kaduna State counterpart, Uba Sani, said he received with shock and deep sense of loss the news of the passing of Wigwe who was one of the state’s development partners.
He said, “Nigeria has lost one of its most innovative and creative entrepreneurs. He not only led Access Bank to become a global brand, he developed Access Corporation into a veritable vehicle for addressing developmental challenges.”
Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo in his condolence message described the late Group CEO Wigwe as a pillar of the Nigerian business community, a champion for economic development, an avid educationist and a true visionary who consistently pushed boundaries for growth and development.
“As a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Governor Soludo had the privilege of witnessing firsthand Mr. Wigwe’s innovative approach to banking and his instrumental role during the Bank Consolidation in driving the growth and expansion of Access Bank, both within Nigeria and internationally.”
The tributes are coming on the heels of plans by the board of Access Holdings Plc to soon announce an acting Group Chief Executive Officer to replace its late CEO.
The company, in a statement on Sunday signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, said the appointment of a new head was in line with the company’s policy.
“In line with the company’s policy, the board will soon announce the appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer even as we remain confident that the Access Group will build further on Dr. Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence,” the statement read in part.
Preliminary reports suggest that the crash could have been caused by wintry weather and rain, a member of National Transportation Safety Board said after a press briefing on Sunday.
