President Bola Tinubu has expressed his dismay over the official confirmation of the passing of Access Holdings plc’s Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, and the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, alongside members of the Wigwe family.
In a statement released by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President expressed grief over the demise of “these exceptional Nigerian business figures,” labelling their deaths as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”
The President further offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of Wigwe and Ogunbanjo, the business fraternity, and all those touched by the immense sorrow of this event.
What the President said
The statement which was released on Sunday following the confirmation from Wigwe’s Company, Access Holding Plc, as well as other credible sources reads as follows:
- “After receiving official confirmation of events, President Bola Tinubu receives with shock and deep distress the news of the passing of Mr Herbert Wigwe, top banker and entrepreneur, and Mr Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, along with members of the Wigwe family.
- “Mr. Herbert Wigwe, was the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc and founder of the How Foundation.
- “President Tinubu mourns these exceptional Nigerian business leaders and describes their passing as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”
- “The President condoles with the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by this harrowing incident.”
The president further extends prayers for the peaceful rest of the departed and prays to God Almighty to bring solace to the multitude of grieving Nigerians and the families of the deceased in this deeply sorrowful time.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS CEO OF ACCESS HOLDINGS PLC, HERBERT WIGWE, FORMER GROUP CHAIRMAN OF NIGERIAN EXCHANGE GROUP, ABIMBOLA OGUNBANJO AND FAMILY MEMBERS
After receiving an official confirmation of events, President Bola Tinubu receives with shock… pic.twitter.com/9dyMbqCnDg
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) February 11, 2024
What you should know
- In a shocking turn of events yesterday, February 10, Nairametrics learned that a helicopter carrying Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Holding, and five other people crashed around the California-Nevada Border.
- Nairametrics also gathered that his wife, son, and former NGX chairman, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, were also passengers on the flight.
- Meanwhile, Access Holdings on Sunday officially announced the demise of Dr Herbert Wigwe, the Founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc.
- The billionaire investor died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.
- “It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Pic (‘the Company’) announces the passing of Dr Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Pic (‘the Bank’). Dr. Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.
- “The entire Access Family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen and Chuzi. We extend our deep and sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones. Dr. Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002,” the Bank said in a statement.