CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ACCESS BANK PERISHED IN AN HELICOPTER CRASH

By Edwin F -

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

Human Right Lawyer And Activist Arrested In Nigeria

By Edwin F -
Image
Dele Farotimi  is more than just a name in the headlines; he is a passionate human rights lawyer and activist deeply committed to fighting against the injustices that plague Nigeria. Known for his  strong critiques of bad governance , Farotimi has become a beacon of hope for many who seek a better, more transparent Nigeria. Recently, he released a thought-provoking book that lays bare the  corruption within the Nigerian judiciary , shedding light on a system many believe has lost its way. Dele Farotimi  Tragically, his outspoken nature has made him a target. On  December 3, 2024 , Dele was arrested by the Nigerian police at the Zone 2 Command in Lagos, following a defamation petition filed by  Tony Elumelu , the chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group. The allegations claim that Dele made defamatory remarks about Elumelu during a public discussion, which has led to this distressing turn of events.  Dele had earlier send signal out that some ...
Read more

UN Committee Reviews Cameroon Amidst Alarming Torture Allegations

By Edwin F -
Image
United Nations Committee Against Torture is currently holding its eighty-first session in Geneva from October 28 to November 22, 2024. During this session, the committee is reviewing Cameroon's fifth periodic report on its compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This session comes at a critical time, with reports and videos emerging that allegedly show Cameroonian military forces engaging in torture against civilians in the conflict zones of the Northwest and Southwest regions and also in other Regions of the country. These disturbing images have drawn attention from human rights groups and the international community, particularly amid ongoing violence tied to separatist movements and the fight against Boko Haram. The committee’s review of Cameroon is vital, especially given these serious allegations. It provides the Cameroonian government an opportunity to respond to accusations of torture and explain the steps...
Read more

Simon Ekpa Arrested in Finland

By Edwin F -
Image
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian activist and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, was recently arrested in Finland alongside four others on suspicion of terrorism-related activities. Ekpa is linked to the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group campaigning for the independence of southeastern Nigeria. Simon Ekpa Finnish authorities charged Ekpa with public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. According to Finland's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), he allegedly used social media platforms to promote violence and terrorism, which has contributed to unrest in southeastern Nigeria. The four others arrested are suspected of funding his activities. Ekpa has been a polarizing figure, particularly for enforcing sit-at-home orders in southeastern Nigeria, which have disrupted daily life and led to violence, even after IPOB's mainstream leadership suspended such actions. This isn’t his first legal trouble; he was bri...
Read more