Omueke village has declared a two- day period of mourning in honur of late Herbert Wigwe who died on Friday, February 9, 2024 along with his wife and son, in a helicopter accident in the United States.
Wigwe hails from Omueke village in Isokpo ancient kingdom in Ikwerre Local Governent Area of Rivers state
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed shock at the news of the death of Dr. Wigwe.
In a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Boniface Onyedi, the governor described the incident as a “monumental disaster.”
He said Rivers State and Nigeria were in tears over the development.
Fubara, on behalf of his family, the state government, and the people of the state, commiserated with the Wigwe family over the incident.
He urged them to be comforted by God’s assurances of His love.
The governor said there were no words to convey how terrible the losses are, and the state and indeed Nigeria will miss “an unassuming, iconic, and accomplished illustrious son of Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.”
He stated, “Rivers State and the nation are in tears because it would be extremely difficult to understand this sweeping loss of a family involving a strong pillar, accomplished banker and philanthropist with tentacles in the education sector.”
Fubara said the Wigwe University, which the deceased pioneered, must not be allowed to die.
Similarly, Access Holdings Plc has confirmed the death of its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, on Sunday.
The statement said, “It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) announces the passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’).
“Dr. Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024 in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.
“The entire Access Family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen and Chizi. We extend our deep and sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones.
“Dr. Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002.
“Commenting on the passage of Dr. Wigwe, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, Chairman of Access Holdings said: “The Access Family has suffered a major loss with the passing of Dr. Wigwe who was a great friend and fine gentleman. He had a prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities, and vast business experience which he brought to bear on the Access Family and for which we owe him a debt of gratitude.
“In line with the Company’s policy, the Board will soon announce the appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer even as we remain confident that the Access Group will build further on Dr. Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.”
The Bank on their X account said, “Today, we bid farewell to a visionary leader, @HerbertOWigwe, whose passion and unwavering commitment to excellence transformed Access into a global powerhouse.
“His legacy of excellence and compassion will continue to inspire us all.
“Rest in peace, Herbert Wigwe. Your impact will forever be felt.”
Earlier, Access Holdings Plc had acknowledged reports of a helicopter crash involving Dr. Wigwe but lacked specific details. The company stated its collaboration with US authorities for updates on the incident, which occurred near the California-Nevada border.
