World leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley, gathered to honor Herbert Wigwe, the co-founder and CEO of Access Group, at a first-anniversary memorial yesterday 9th February 2025 in Lagos.
Herbert, along with his wife, Doreen, son, Chizi, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc., tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the Mojave Desert near the California-Nevada border on February 9, 2024. In tribute to his enduring legacy, a heartfelt ceremony was held yesterday at Eko Hotels and Suites, where family, friends, and admirers from around the world paid their respects.
Among the dignitaries present were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido, French Consul General in Lagos Laurent Favier, and Prime Minister Mottley.
Tinubu, represented by Edun, lauded Wigwe as “more than just a banker; he was a builder of institutions and dreams and people,” noting his transformative leadership that elevated Access Bank into a global powerhouse. He also highlighted Wigwe’s contributions to society, such as his philanthropy in education, youth empowerment, and healthcare, exemplified by the Wigwe University project.
Macron, through Favier, remembered Wigwe as a “friend of France,” praising his role in strengthening bilateral trade and relations between France and Nigeria. He added, “The best tribute we can pay to him is to keep his legacy alive.”
Prime Minister Mottley reflected on Wigwe’s authenticity and passion, recalling his dream of creating Wigwe University and her honor of being asked to serve as its first Chancellor. She emphasized that his vision was to cultivate fearless individuals who would defy barriers to success.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a tribute shared by Acting CEO Bolaji Agbede, remembered Wigwe for his boundless energy and dedication to Africa’s development. Obasanjo highlighted the remarkable growth of Access Bank, noting that “Herbert and Aigboje Aig Imokhuede demonstrated how to build enduring relationships founded on mutual trust, respect, commitment, and shared values.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also praised Wigwe for his visionary leadership, stating that he was “not one to be confined by limits,” and admired his belief in Nigeria and Africa’s potential to overcome challenges and build lasting institutions.
