Some Notable Nigerians We Lost in 2024

In 2024, Nigeria lost some of its influential figures, whose contributions shaped the country’s history, polity, culture, and progress. Adedayo Adejobi through this piece, honours the lives and legacies of these remarkable individuals, celebrating their achievements and the lasting impact they left on their communities, in Nigeria and the world

Herbert Wigwe, Wife and Son

Nigerian banking Czar, Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings and philanthropist, Herbert Wigwe died unexpectedly on February 9, 2024, alongside his wife of inestimable value, Doreen Chizoba Wigwe and his 29 years old son, Chizi Wigwe, in a helicopter crash in California, United States. Considering the circumstances surrounding Herbert’s death, the passing sparked shockwaves across the nation and widespread interest, leaving many in shock over the void left in the financial sector, and the Church Herbert made impact- The Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Wigwe, former CEO of Access Bank Holdings and co-founder of the bank, was indeed a towering figure and a key driver in transforming the bank, and was involved in the CACOVID coalition to establish isolation centers and feed families during the COVID-19 crisis. Wigwe’s impact extended far beyond his immediate constituency, the financial sector. He was involved in a variety of projects and made progress in everything he touched. Leveraging his private sector expertise and dynamic leadership, Herbert brought to prominence the role of the private sector in the country’s HIV/AIDS control programme, as co-chair of the Nigeria Business Community against HIV/AIDS (NiBUCAA).

To depart with his life partner and first son, was a pain too hard to imagine. Yet, despite the immense sorrow, he left Nigeria with something invaluable—his vision, energy, resilience, and strength of character infused dynamism. Though Herbert may have departed, his generous spirit lives on. Rest in Peace Herbert, Chizoba, and Chizzy.

Abimbola Ogunbanjo

 Abimbola Ogunbanjo was also in the ill-fated crash that took the Wigwe’s. The story of the Nigerian Exchange Plc is incomplete without the name of the late Abimbola Ogunbajo written in fine gold. He was among the men who helped Nigerian Exchange actualise demutualisation. On completion of the process, he was made the board chairman of the NGX. The transition helped the NGX to break away from the old mould of a member-owned entity to a for-profit organisation with shares publicly traded like those of quoted companies.

His supreme efforts and immense contribution to the Nigerian capital market was rewarded in October 2022, when former President Muhammadu Buhari conferred on him the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic.

 The late Ogunbanjo stood out as a fresh, informed, and revolutionary voice in the Nigerian capital market, first serving as President of the National Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and then as group chair of the Nigerian Exchange Plc.

 Ifeanyi Ubah

Nigeria lost the 52-year-old renowned Nigerian politician, entrepreneur, businessman, and stocky brown man of self-assured confidence, Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, on the 27th of July, 2024, to the cold hands of death. He served as the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate until his passing in London. Ubah, contributed to Nigeria’s economic and political development and that earned him lasting recognition.

 Ogbonnaya Onu

 Dateline, April 11, 2024, Nigeria lost a Nigerian politician, author, lecturer, and engineer, the first civilian governor of Abịa State and former Minister of Science and Technology in the Muhammadu Buhari administration, to an undisclosed sickness in an Abuja hospital. The late 72-year-old began his political career when he unsuccessfully sought a senatorial ticket under the now-defunct National Party of Nigeria in the old Imo State. He was minister from November 2015 until his resignation in 2022. He was the longest-serving minister of the ministry. The late Onu was a great patriot and a thoroughly decent, thoughtful individual. Beyond his professional achievements, Onu was a man of integrity, humility, and compassion. His legacy was not just in the positions he held or the policies he implemented, but in the lives he touched, the paths he illuminated, and the example he set.