Access Bank has expressed sorrow over the loss of its founding Group Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe.
Wigwe tragically passed away in a helicopter crash near the Nevada border in California, United States of America. Among the victims were Wigwe’s wife and son, along with three others.
In a statement signed by Sunday Ekwochi, Group Company Secretary on Sunday and titled, ‘Access Holdings Plc Announces The Passing Of Its Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR,’ Access Holdings expressed its condolences to the family and loved ones of the late CEO.
It, however, said its board would proceed to appoint an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer following Wigwe’s death.
It 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.
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“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.”
In a message on X on Sunday, Access Bank Plc also mourned the death of Wigwe, saying, “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.”