You’re simply extraordinary, Wigwe’s daughter pays tribute to dad

On Wednesday night, Tochi Wigwe, the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc and daughter of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, offered a moving eulogy to her father.

Tochi offered her condolences to the 57-year-old during the Night of Tributes at the Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, along with a number of other friends and family members.



On Monday, March 4, 2024, the burial rites for Wigwe, his wife, and his kid began.

They were killed a few weeks earlier in an American helicopter mishap.



When I used to tell my father how much I detested public speaking, he would try to persuade me that he shared my sentiments. However, it's something he had to do, so I'll do my best to be fearless,” Tochi said on stage, flanked by several of her friends.

"For the first time, just now, your words really speak to me. I no longer wish to squint my eyes and tilt my head in bewilderment. You were just amazing," she continued.

She remembered her father as being ambitious, tenacious, and consistently going above and above.



"You inspired me to do things I never would have thought possible. You used to chuckle knowingly and tell me, "You really just don't know whose child you are, but you'll soon find out," whenever uncertainty entered my thoughts. You were correct once more: I've come to learn.



"It seemed impossible to me how you accomplished everything. I could never understand." Being a steadfast support system for your loved ones and transforming everything you come into contact with into gold," she continued.



She also related how, while she was studying abroad, her father flew to see her for a brief visit.



You didn't care about distance at all.



"On a whim, you crossed continents just to spend a few minutes with me before returning to your duties," she said.



Tochi observed that these proved his unwavering and unceasing affection.



She described her father as an equality activist and a feminist.



He called my mother Hannah and me the most attractive people, and I was also given the nickname "pretty."

Who will make me give the peace sign in every picture? Who will argue endlessly with my pals and me on planes headed to Cape Town? Who will ask, "What are they saying about me online today?" And who is going to question me about my opinions of Wigwe University?

"You were Paradox, a stronghold possessing a delicate heart like silk. You will never be able to yell at me without having to phone me an hour later to apologise.

"Our family circle was not the only one affected by you.

"You persuaded my buddies to raise their goals and that their futures were in Nigeria with ease.

"Although you've given me big shoes to fill, you've also given me a dependable support system.

"I am eternally grateful to you for your guidance and protection, as you have shown me the greatest amount of care in nurturing your relationships."I love you so much, Mama T, also known as Your Pretty, and I long for the day we can get back together to carry on our beloved gossip sessions and pep talks about life and everything in between.

Today, Thursday, March 7, 2024, the funeral arrangements proceed with a combined service of songs at 10 a.m. at RCCG, Ressurection Parish, 1 Ressurection Drive, 1st Gate, Jakande Estate, Km 15 Lekki.

The Christian Wake-Keeping will be held at Wigwe University, Isiokpo, Rivers State, on Friday, March 8, at 7:00 p.m. At 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, at RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo, there will be a combined funeral service.

On Saturday, March 9, there will be a private burial ceremony.

The last outing service will take place at 10:00 am on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo.