•Says he feels helpless unable to help his friend
•Clinton, Obasanjo, others pay tributes to late banker
•Sanwo-Olu pledges to immortalise him
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja, Wale Igbintade and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos
In an emotion-laden voice, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, fought hard to hold back tears but couldn’t as he led a horde of private sector professionals to pay tributes to the late Access Holdings Group CEO, Dr Herbert Wigwe. He described Wigwe as a visionary, a perfectionist who gave so much of himself for others. But said he was partly consoled because Wigwe’s transformative strides were all over the landscape.
Dangote stated that Wigwe broke all records and pushed boundaries in banking, reshaped the sector, emphasising that his philanthropy will never be forgotten.
Africa’s richest man said Wigwe was a pillar of strength for him and his businesses, and went out of his way to “untie all the several nuts” that emerged as his organisation grew and flourished.
According to him, his family will continue to cherish the memory of the late Wigwe, stressing that he owed him a debt of gratitude. He added that both of them shared the character of “perseverance” in the face of discouragement.
Dangote described Wigwe as a soldier of courage, even though he was never in the military. Dangote said Wigwe’s capacity for concentration was extraordinary, stating that the late Access Bank CEO helped him in his businesses, especially his foray into oil and gas.
“I stand here today with a sense of profound loss, feeling of utter helplessness. I feel very helpless because I could not prevent the tragedy that befell my friend, brother, mentee and a very loyal friend for that matter,” he stated.
Dangote added, “To immortalise my beloved friend, my brother, and my mentee, I have actually decided to name our major refinery and petrochemical road. Out of the 120 kilometres, the biggest road will now be named Herbert Wigwe.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-American President Bill Clinton, were among a horde of mourners who yesterday paid glowing tributes to Dr. Herbert Wigwe.
Wigwe died on February 9 in a helicopter crash in the United States, along with his wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizi.
Speaking at a special programme organised by the family, yesterday at Eko Hotel in Lagos, tagged, “Celebrating Herbert Wigwe – A Professional Legacy,” the colleagues and associates of the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings described him as an erudite banker, philanthropist, visionary leader, and legend.
In a video message, Tinubu characterised Wigwe as a distinguished banker and an entrepreneur, adding that his contributions to nation-building would be greatly missed.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed and asked God to comfort the multitude of Nigerians who were grieving and the family of the deceased at this deeply agonising moment.
Obasanjo and Clinton described Wigwe as a top banker and entrepreneur, stressing that the country has lost one of the finest bankers in Nigeria, whose exemplary leadership led Access Bank to its present height.
In his condolence message read at the event, President Emmanuel Macron of France said, “Mr Wigwe worked tirelessly to strengthen the ties between France and Nigeria. France has lost a friend, Herbert Wigwe, the President of the French Nigeria Business Council.
“A humanistic and talented entrepreneur. He tirelessly worked to strengthen the relationship between our two countries. Our heartfelt thoughts go to his family and loved ones.”
Ogun state Governor Dapo Abiodun on his part, said Wigwe was a critical part of the development of Ogun State, adding that he was supportive of all the success stories of his government.
Abiodun stated, “I can’t thank him enough for supporting the dreams of the state. He was instrumental to the payment of salaries to private bond and projects of the state, such as the airport.
“The history of the state will not be complete without Herbert. I appreciate the speed of his trust in my government to hit the ground running. He was a different person to everyone, selfless and promise-keeping. God has called him and knows why He has called him to himself.”
Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the banker was a friend and an adviser and promised to immortalise Wigwe’s memory in Lagos State. Sanwo-Olu stated that Wigwe was a generous supporter of public service.
Sanwo-Olu said, “He always encouraged me with his words of support, and supported the state during Covid-19. He supported the plan for a greater Lagos. We must do something with that name on Lagos Island to immortalise the legacies and memories of Herbert Wigwe.
“I have lost a good friend and brother. Lagos will not forget Herbert Wigwe. His legacies will be immortalised.”
In his remarks, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, extended condolences to the family of Wigwe, saying that he would forever remember his contributions at various meetings they had together.
Cardoso sent his profound condolences to the Wigwe family and Access Holdings on the passing of the co-founder and Group Chief Executive, his wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizi.
He stated, “Today we gather to honour the life and legacy of a truly exceptional leader, Herbert Wigwe. As we come to terms with this loss, we must celebrate the life of a man who dedicated his life to service.
“Herbert played a pivotal role in transforming Access Bank into one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions. Herbert’s vision, diligence and commitment elevated Access Bank to a position of prominence not only within Nigeria but across the continent and the global financial arena.
“I will continue to value the contributions made at our meetings and appreciate how insightful and thoughtful they were.”
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, also said he shared a personal connections with the deceased, highlighting Wigwe’s role as a problem solver and philanthropist.
Edun said, “He (Wigwe) would always offer ideas to resolve financial issues of the moment, especially, since I became the finance minister. He still had time for philanthropy. He loved sports and education. He was a man with solutions. We met to resolve things around the Nigerian economy. It’s heavy for me without such pillar of support.”
President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, celebrated Wigwe’s life, emphasising his determination, fearlessness, and instrumental role in shaping Access Bank’s global prominence. Adesina described Wigwe as a visionary and brilliant banker.
In his tribute, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede underscored Wigwe’s philanthropy, commitment to Africa, and concern for the nation’s future. He noted the urgency of addressing challenges facing Nigeria and Africa.
The ceremony served as both a mourning and occasion for celebrating the late banker, with speakers pledging to ensure that Wigwe’s legacy of excellence and innovation endured.
Wigwe took over as Access Bank’s Group CEO in 2014, focusing on the bank’s expansion in Nigeria and Africa before taking the helm at Access Holdings in 2022. Under his leadership, Access Bank drove its African strategy to become Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest retail bank by customer base.
A two-time winner of the African Banker of the Year award from the African Banker Awards, Wigwe was a passionate advocate of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which formed the bedrock of Access Holdings’ growth strategy.
