I admired Herbert Wigwe, Abimbola Ogunbanjo — Elumelu

Tony Elumelu
Tony Elumelu

Chairman of Transcorp Group Tony Elumelu has reacted to the death of the chief executive officer of Access Holdings Plc Herbert Wigwe and former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Abimbola Ogunbanjo, describing it as “sad and distressing”.

Mr Wigwe, wife Chizoba, first son Chizi, and Mr Ogunbanjo died in a helicopter crash in the United States on February 9.

The news of the incident has left many, including those in the banking and finance sector, devastated.

In a social media post on Sunday titled ‘Tribute to Great Lights – True Patriots’, Mr Elumelu said he admired Wigwe and Ogunbanjo, noting that they were two of Africa’s brightest minds.

“The news of Herbert Wigwe’s and Bimbo Ogunbanjo’s untimely passing is terribly sad and distressing,” the founder of Heirs Holdings wrote.

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“Nigeria, indeed Africa, has lost two of our brightest minds. I admired them both and we all shared the desire to drive Nigeria’s transformation.

“Herbert was an exceptional talent, committed to advancing the banking and financial sector in Nigeria, with Access Holdings. Likewise, Bimbo’s tenure as Group chairman of the NGX group was distinguished by excellence.

“Both will be sorely missed by all. Their leadership and entrepreneurial drive will continue to serve as shining examples to millions of our young people.”

Elumelu, who is also chairman of UBA Group, prayed that God would give their immediate families strength and grace at this difficult time.