SAYING GOODBYE

Herbert why? Why? Why? You told me you were going for a board meeting in London from where you will head out to the US and return after a few days and immediately come to Abia to see me. So, what happened?

Since this news filtered out, I’ve not been able to put my head down. I spoke to Peggy who was broken but strong. I refused to believe. Many others confirmed but they were also reporting other people. Then comes this call minutes ago from Sola Faleye, my younger friend whom you “acquired” as you took over Diamond Bank. You had severally shared how one of the best things about the acquisition of Diamond Bank was Sola. He was with you everywhere you went but alas, Sola was unreachable all throughout yesterday. For some reason, he had to step down from that ill-fated Chopper to accompany the luggage by road. His name remains on the manifest! It is now clear that you are no more!

What do we tell Tochi and the little ones? Who will tell Mummy Stella and Daddy Shyngle who you celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary two years ago? How about those of us who have come to see you as part of life? Your dream Wigwe University which you told me was going to be the Harvard of Africa? Who will carry on with that dream? We had extensively talked about setting up a scholarship scheme to support brilliant but indigent students. Who will ensure that this dream is delivered?

This death is too big a blow to me personally and all those that knew you closely. You were not only my friend but my brother. Your constant encouragement and sometimes insistence have been very helpful in a lot of decisions one took. Even in the most difficult moment, you were always there to share ideas. You always came from very unpopular perspectives, disagreeing with conventional wisdom. Your can-do spirit was infectious! You would prove book makers wrong, even with your “Mergers and Acquisition” mindset.

I remember taking you up about 15 years ago, quoting a research-based position that over 70% of mergers and acquisition destroy shareholder value. Your response was that Access Bank was in the 30% category!

A few years ago, when a group of friends and I were working on a banking license, you drove to my house unannounced and insisted, “Alex, I’m glad you are working on a new bank, but I came to tell you that you should not run the bank. You have finished with banking; we need you in Abia and Abia needs you. We must get some of us that have the courage to go into public office, and you must remain there!” Since then, you have been consistent in your support.

This is one of the saddest moments in my life. To worsen the situation, Chizoba and Chizzy who hardly fly with you were in that chopper. I’m still trying to make sense of the whole situation. I wish someone would wake me up and reassure me that this was a bad dream! But alas it is real.

Good night my own brother Herbert!

Good night, Chizoba!

Good night, Chizzy!

It is well with your souls.

Dr. Alex Otti, OFR. (Governor of Abia State)

To think that we were together about two weeks ago with a promise to meet again this week makes the announcement of Herbert’s death tragic.

This is another stark reminder of the ephemerality of life.

While Herbert lived a life of impact and purpose, I am pained that there was much more he had for humanity that his sudden exit has denied us.

I am just speechless!

C. C. Soludo CFR (Governor of Anambra State)

I received with utmost shock and sadness the tragic death of one of Nigeria’s sterling banker and business icon, Dr. @HerbertOWigwe alongside his wife, son and others aboard a helicopter in the United States.

This a huge blow to the banking and financial sector not just in Nigeria, but across Africa and the world. Dr. Wigwe was a shining example of industry, brinksmanship and dedication to all of humanity.

Dying at a time when he is pioneering world class education through his Wigwe University is a devastating loss to this lofty dream and all who hoped on him.

My deepest condolences to his family, his community, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc, his friends and associates.

As painful as his death is, Dr. Wigwe will be remembered for the impactful life he lived and his unflinching dedication to excellence.
May God rest the souls of all those in that tragic crash. Amen.

Bassey Edet Otu (Governor of Cross River State)

The news of the passing of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Bank Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash in the United States of America, has left me extremely shocked and devastated.

We also unfortunately lost Wigwe's wife and son as well as the former group chairman of Nigeria Stock Exchange, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in the crash.

The tragic incident is painful and heart-wrenching, and we pray for God's abiding comfort in this profoundly difficult time.

Wigwe was a colossus in Nigeria's financial sector, leading Access Bank to become an international brand that placed Nigeria on the global map of first-class financial services.

I commiserate with the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Holding, the Nigeria Stock Exchange, friends and associates, and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Godwin Obaseki (Governor, Edo State)

I am indeed saddened by the news of the death of Herbert Wigwe, the Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc. He was a highly professional and patriotic Nigerian who dedicated his time, resources, and energy to numerous commendable initiatives for the development of our country. For us in Ekiti, this is a huge loss. He was a good friend of the state who believed in our shared prosperity agenda.

Herbert consistently demonstrated a willingness to support any worthy cause that could promote economic growth in our state. His wealth of experience and extensive national and global contacts in the finance sector made him a valuable ally. Last year, he visited our state with the Access Bank Plc management team to pledge commitment to partnering with us on a series of projects and initiatives to empower small and medium-sized enterprises and create jobs for young people.

He left a legacy of selfless service, and his impact will be remembered for years. May his soul rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the entire Access Bank family.

Biodun Oyebanji (Governor of Ekiti State)

I received with deep shock, the sad news of the tragic demise of Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings Plc, his wife, Chizoba and son.

Wigwe was a brother, team player, philanthropist, visionary, and thoroughbred professional who distinguished himself in the banking industry and corporate world, rising through the ranks to become a pioneer and titan of our time as well as an entrepreneur of global repute and reach.

This incident is, therefore, an unspeakable disaster and monumental tragedy, not only to Nigeria, but also to the entire corporate world.

My heart goes out to his immediate family, relatives, the Access Holdings Plc family, corporate Nigeria, and indeed the nation over these grave losses. May God grant their souls eternal repose.

Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (Governor of Enugu State)

Herbert, my brother, my friend and my adviser.

Herbert, the king of visionary and disruptive ideas.

I'm deeply saddened by the tragic loss of my dear brother and friend, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his dear wife Doreen, and their beloved son Chizi in a helicopter crash.

Herbert was not just a brother and visionary leader but one of the brightest minds in Africa. His impact on our nation and beyond will be remembered forever. My heart mourns.

Herbert’s contributions to Banking and the financial sector in Africa were unparalleled. He was an unapologetic believer in the Nigerian solution. His dedication and passion for progress inspired us all. Today, we mourn not just a leader but a true friend and brother. Lagos and Nigeria have lost a remarkable soul. Rest in peace, my brother.

We also lost another great business leader and legal luminary, my egbon Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, who contributed significantly to the development of the Capital Markets and Corporate law in Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace.

In this difficult time, our thoughts are with the families of all the victims, and we pray for strength and grace.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Governor of Lagos State)

With a profound sense of sorrow weighing heavily on our hearts, we have recently been confronted with the profoundly shocking news of the untimely passing of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, the esteemed CEO of Access Holdings, alongside his beloved wife, Chizoba, and their son Chizi, all whom we lost in a devastating helicopter accident near the border of California and Nevada, in the United States of America.

Recognised as a highly regarded Nigerian banker and visionary entrepreneur, Mr. Herbert undoubtedly embodied greatness through his unwavering dedication to the advancement of Nigeria's economy. His invaluable support for the Building Our Future Together Agenda within our administration in Ogun State stands as an enduring testament to his remarkable character. A cherished friend, his abrupt departure has left an irreplaceable void, leaving us with an indescribable sorrow that will forever linger.

In this difficult time, I extend my heartfelt condolences, on behalf of my family and the people and government of Ogun State, to his grieving family and the entirety of the Access family. May you find solace in the memories and legacy he has bestowed upon us, and may his spirit guide us as we navigate this loss of immeasurable proportions.

Dapo Abiodun (Governor of Ogun State)

Yesterday, Nigeria got a sad news that broke many blocs and sectors of our Society - the helicopter crash in the United States of America that claimed some of our finest brains. We are consoled only by their actions, legacies and feats. We are left with nothing other than what they have done and not what they planned to do; that is the irony of life.

I commiserate with the Access Bank family, the Herbert Wigwe and Abimbola Ogunbanjo families - and relatives of all the departed souls.

May souls of the departed, rest with our Creator. Amen!

Agbu Kefas (Governor of Taraba State)

The depth of sadness that this tragedy has brought cannot be fully expressed in words.

You were a quintessential gentleman, an astute businessman who strongly believed in the growth and development of our people.

Rest in peace, Herbert and may God Almighty give the surviving members of the families of all those who lost loved ones in the crash and the rest of us the strength to bear this colossal loss.

Seyi Makinde (Governor of Oyo State)

We just received the sad news of the air disaster in California involving our compatriot Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son. While we await the true report of the situation, we urge our people to remain calm as we continue to pray for him and the entire family.

Siminalayi Joseph Fubara (Governor of Rivers State)

In late Herbert Wigwe, I lost a friend who made immense contributions to the banking industry in Nigeria.

His impact was significant and far-reaching, extending beyond his professional circle to the broader business community.

I had a personal relationship with Wigwe while in the banking sector.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and associates during this difficult time. May they have the fortitude to bear this significant loss. Herbert Wigwe will always be remembered.

Dauda Lawal-Dare (Governor of Zamfara State)

May His Soul Rest In Peace. Amen 🙏🏾.

I fear for that bank now, it will never be the same again.

Greet DAGRIN 🔥

Missofunyin Entertainment

CEO – Chief Executive Omoita

Governors paddi man. If you know, you know. They'd soon begin to fight dirty over his assets and huge investments with his financial worth. Most bank directors are politicians' custodians and SPVs.

I remember what happened after the fourscore owner died in the ikoyi mansion. You see governors visiting the site as if they truly care. Na cos of the money we don enter one chance

As the Igbo nation mourns ... I have seen loads of congratulatory messages pour in especially on pro-Yoruba platforms for the new CEO

LESSON: The system doesn't pause for anyone. No one is indispensable. Once you're gone, someone else replaces immediately.

Take life easy.
Be good to everyone.
.

RIP Mr wigwe you did your part before you leave rest on Boss

Next....

Let this guy rest abeg, overflogging him with topics.

May God be pleased with his return & all other departed souls.

And one lazy person is there shouting vanity upon vanity.

Herbert life and death is a definition of: what ever is what doing is worth doing well. If we must live (exist), we should live it to the fullest.

Life's Not Vanity... Life's Not Nothing... Life's Not Meaningless;

Stop giving morale to your meaningless, empty & vain-filled life... Wake up, live a life filled with Value, Goals & Meaning!

Had Herbert not add value to his life, we will not be reading his life story like a Bible.

fergie001:

Dr. Alex Otti, OFR. (Governor of Abia State)


C. C. Soludo CFR (Governor of Anambra State)


Bassey Edet Otu (Governor of Cross River State)


Godwin Obaseki (Governor, Edo State)


Biodun Oyebanji (Governor of Ekiti State)


Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (Governor of Enugu State)


Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Governor of Lagos State)


Dapo Abiodun (Governor of Ogun State)



Agbu Kefas (Governor of Taraba State)


Seyi Makinde (Governor of Oyo State)


Siminalayi Joseph Fubara (Governor of Rivers State)


Dauda Lawal-Dare (Governor of Zamfara State)

Did Joe Biden and governors of Las Vegas and California not send message?

e never complete.

e be like Herbert Wigwe is the first person to die in Nigeria the way nairaland de follow the guy enter death

Nigeria Ltd mourns their follow baller ...

These Governor's are the people holding Nigeria and Nigerians at captive. It shall be ill with them, they will have a failing health until they seem it fit to set Nigerians free from bondage.

Majority of Nigerian masses are stranded, many can't afford to pay their rents, many don't even have steady power but these fools are frolicking amongst themselves exchanging stupid condolences, thinking they are special set of persons.

It shall not be well with everyone of you these evil, wicked and political thieves called governors. Stupid fools!

Una bag man Don die money Don enter gazoo

This people and politicians there is no different between them. They help politicians to engage in nefarious activities that involves finance. At last all is vanity upon vanity.

Dis Wigwe dey follow supply them dollars.
If you no know now you know

E suppose don do na

Una no go let people hear word again because one rich man die?

Over hundred people died across Nigeria today in various circumstances.

Wigwe pass to die?

Abeg make this man news no make front page again

We don type RIP since Saturday.

Wetin make we do again?

Haba!

Looters love money launders.

Ogun go soon kee all of them one by one.

Maybe these bloggers are paying some mods because it makes no sense flooding the frontpage with all these Wigwe news. He's not the first to die and neither will he be the last. Most people alive are not even sure of what to eat tomorrow. He left a huge legacy behind. He had a good time here on earth, God bless his soul. Let's move on from this. There's no point telling us about his pants and boxers.

Bagman don go.

Mtcheeew dead and gone... All this formality should stop abeg

fergie001:

Dr. Alex Otti, OFR. (Governor of Abia State)


C. C. Soludo CFR (Governor of Anambra State)


Bassey Edet Otu (Governor of Cross River State)


Godwin Obaseki (Governor, Edo State)


Biodun Oyebanji (Governor of Ekiti State)


Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (Governor of Enugu State)


Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Governor of Lagos State)


Dapo Abiodun (Governor of Ogun State)



Agbu Kefas (Governor of Taraba State)


Seyi Makinde (Governor of Oyo State)


Siminalayi Joseph Fubara (Governor of Rivers State)


Dauda Lawal-Dare (Governor of Zamfara State)

RIP LIFE IS VANITY UPON VANITY 😭

V

merits:



RIP LIFE IS VANITY UPON VANITY 😭

Then kee yourself na lol

People have many good things to say about you but you have to die first

Buffalo2:
People have many good things to say about you but you have to die first

Uno lie oo

AwokenVawulence:


Then kee yourself na lol

The way you killed yourself RIP TO YOU.