CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ACCESS BANK PERISHED IN AN HELICOPTER CRASH

By Edwin -

On the evening of February 10, 2024, in the Mojave Desert, California, the world was shaken by the loss of a visionary leader. Herbert Wigwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc and co-founder of Access Bank Nigeria, tragically perished in a helicopter crash, leaving an irreplaceable void in the financial world and sending shockwaves throughout the African business community.

Herbert Wigwe


Wigwe, aged 57, had guided Access Bank's trajectory since 2014, spearheading an ambitious expansion drive that propelled the bank to become Nigeria's largest by total assets. His leadership was characterized by innovation, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to revolutionizing the banking landscape across the continent.


The ill-fated helicopter not only carried Wigwe but also his wife, Dame Chizoba Wigwe, their eldest son, and a close friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo. Regrettably, there were no survivors from the crash, which occurred near Nipton, California. The National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) initiated an investigation to ascertain the identities of the individuals involved in this tragic accident.


The sudden departure of Herbert Wigwe has plunged colleagues, entrepreneurs, and business leaders into mourning. Tributes have poured in from across Africa, honoring his legacy and lamenting the loss of an extraordinary individual. Wigwe's professional journey commenced at Coopers & Lybrand Associates, an international firm of Chartered Accountants, before he spent over a decade at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, managing diverse portfolios encompassing financial institutions, large corporates, and multinationals.


The crash, transpiring on a dark desert night, claimed the lives of six individuals. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department confirmed the absence of survivors. The wreckage was located east of the 15-Freeway, near Halloran Springs Road. As the world grapples with this tragedy, we reflect on Herbert Wigwe's contributions, his unwavering dedication, and the enduring impact he imparted on the financial landscape.


In the aftermath of this profound loss, Africa mourns not merely a CEO but a visionary who shaped the future of banking. Herbert Wigwe's legacy will persist, serving as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. May he rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the cherished memories of a life well-lived.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cameroon's Absentee President: The Challenges of Biya's Extended Rule

By Edwin -
Image
Paul Biya, the President of Cameroon, has been in power since November 6, 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. At 92 years old, his continued candidacy for the 2025 presidential election raises significant concerns among the populace. His leadership has been characterized by a lack of visibility and engagement with the citizens, as he is often seen leaving the country rather than addressing domestic issues directly. Under Biya's administration, Cameroon faces numerous pressing challenges: Escalating Violence: The ongoing conflict in the North West and South West regions has not been effectively managed. The Anglophone crisis has led to widespread violence and instability, with many citizens feeling abandoned by their government.  President Biya as the leader has never visited these regions since the conflict started in 2016. Many have attributed these to his unwillingness to address the problems while others thinks his physical ability can not permit hi
Read more

Africa Awaits Mpox Vaccines Amidst Growing Outbreak

By Edwin -
Image
As the mpox outbreak continues to escalate across Africa, the continent is facing a critical shortage of vaccines necessary to combat the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern, highlighting the urgency of the crisis. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has estimated that while there are currently about 200,000 doses available, the continent requires at least 10 million doses to effectively manage the outbreak. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been particularly hard hit, reporting over 17,000 cases and more than 500 deaths this year alone. The DRC has called for international assistance, specifically requesting 3.5 million doses to address its immediate needs. Despite pledges from various countries, including the United States and Japan, the promised vaccines fall significantly short of what is required. Consequences of the Vaccine Shortage The lack of
Read more

Power Dynamics at Play: The Significance of the 2024 China-Africa Cooperation Summit

By Edwin -
Image
The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), scheduled to take place in Beijing from September 4 to 6, 2024, presents a significant opportunity for dialogue between Chinese and African leaders.  The summit will revolve around the theme of  "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future."  This theme underscores the commitment to enhancing cooperation and solidarity between China and Africa, focusing on mutual development and progress. However, it also raises important questions about the nature of this engagement and its implications for African nations and their citizens. One of the primary criticisms of inviting leaders from across Africa to such a summit in China is rooted in the perception of power dynamics and respect. For many Africans, attending a summit hosted by a foreign power—especially one as influential and economically powerful as China—can feel like an affront. It underscores the i
Read more