Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Group Chief Executive of Oando Group Wale Tinubu have honoured the memory of former Access Holdings Plc boss Herbert Wigwe on his first death anniversary.
Wigwe, his wife Chizoba and their first son Chizi died in a helicopter crash in Southern California, United States, on February 9, 2024.
Also on board were the former chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo and two crew members, all of whom lost their lives.
In a tribute shared on X on Sunday, Abiodun reflected on Wigwe’s legacy, describing him as a visionary leader whose contributions to the financial sector were transformative.
“ONE-YEAR REMEMBRANCE TRIBUTE TO DR. HERBERT WIGWE, CFR, HIS WIFE DOREEN, AND SON CHIZI. It is with a profound sense of reflection and remembrance that we honor the lives of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, his dear wife Doreen, and their beloved son Chizi, one year after their untimely passing,” he wrote.
“Dr. Herbert Wigwe was a visionary leader, a man of excellence whose contributions to the financial sector and beyond remain indelible.
“His leadership at Access Bank was not just about corporate success but about empowering people, transforming lives, and uplifting communities.
“Alongside him, Doreen was a pillar of strength and grace, a devoted wife and mother who exemplified kindness and compassion. Their son, Chizi, was a bright light, full of promise and potential, whose future held so much hope.”
Abiodun prayed for their souls to rest in peace, adding, “Herbert, Doreen, and Chizi, your footprints remain in our hearts, and your impact will never be forgotten.”
Tinubu, in his own tribute, described Wigwe as a leader and mentor whose influence will never fade.
“A year has passed since the untimely departure of my dear brother and friend Herbert, yet the void he left remains profound, and his legacy continues to shine brightly,” he wrote.
“Herbert was a leader and mentor. His passion for progress, dedication to building not only businesses but communities, and ability to inspire those around him will forever remain etched in our hearts.
“Herbie-O…, you are deeply missed. May your soul, that of your wife and son, continue to rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, the Wigwe family invited well-wishers to a remembrance ceremony in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday.
In a letter, they expressed their grief, “It has been a year of emotional trauma and mourning since we lost our precious Herbert, Chizoba, and Wizzy.
“We miss them every day and would love for you to join us for an intimate Sunday service to remember and honour them.”
Born on August 15, 1966, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Wigwe was a key figure in Nigeria’s banking sector.
