Wigwe’s death, deep loss to Lagos – Sanwo-Olu

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, said Sunday that the state has suffered a great loss with the death of Herbert Wigwe, the managing director of Access Holdings Group.

He pointed out that since his administration's founding in 2019, Wigwe had consistently backed its development programs.

This was revealed by Sanwo-Olu at the Access Holdings-organized First Year Memorial Service for Wigwe, his wife Doreen, and son Chizi, held at the Eko Hotels & Suites on Victoria Island in Lagos.

The late Wigwe's family, friends, coworkers, and loved ones attended the memorial service, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governors Sanwo-Olu and Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; present and former public office holders; captains of industries; renowned bankers; and business tycoons.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, made available to online on Monday, noted that the state has felt Wigwe’s absence very strongly, since his passing in the last year.

The statement quoted Sanwo-Olu to have said that there are projects that would have been delivered faster if Wigwe, was alive, noting that “Across the states there are projects with Herbert Wigwe’s footprint.”
On February 9, 2024, Herbert, Doreen, and Chizi perished in a helicopter crash in the Mojave Desert close to the California-Nevada border in the United States, along with Bimbo Ogunbanjo, the former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX). Herbert W. Wigwe, the CEO of a breaking-access bank, dies in a helicopter crash. https://punchng.com/

According to Sanwo-Olu's words, the late Wigwe believed in the government's accomplishments.

He went on to say that the shrewd banker was a builder of people, ideas, and the future in addition to enterprises, and that his passing was a reality "we never prepared for."

He lived constantly in the present and the future, according to Sanwo-Olu. He was a firm believer in deeds rather than words. I witnessed him bring his vision to life. He moved when others paused. He saw opportunities where others saw barriers. He genuinely had faith in Africa and Nigeria.

He transformed ideas into reality and built both enterprises and men. In Lagos State, his absence is greatly felt since, had he been here, some initiatives would have advanced more quickly. By coordinating partners and funds for state programs, Herbert made my job easier.

Earlier, President Bola Tinubu, speaking through Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, stated that Wigwe's influence extended beyond the "boardroom and balance sheet.”

Tinubu, in his tribute delivered by Edun, described the late Wigwe as more than just a banker but a builder of dreams and institutions.

“Herbert embodied vision, excellence, and generosity. He was deeply committed to uplifting society. His impact was felt in the lives he touched, opportunities he created, and hopes he inspired,” he said.
Wigwe was also hailed by President Emmanuel Macron as a French friend and a remarkable entrepreneur.

He said, "As Chairman of the Nigeria-France Business Council, he made significant contributions that strengthened the friendship and bilateral relationship between France and Nigeria."

Wigwe's tenacity and commitment to collaboration were emphasised by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who said that "despite his success, he remained accessible and committed to nurturing relationships." He realised that effective leadership entails developing both people and institutions. His legacy serves as evidence of what Africans are capable of when they have vision, perseverance, and teamwork.