Dangote, Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu, other prominent Nigerians pays glowing tributes to Wigwe

Friends and business associates of late Chief Executive Officer of Access Corporation Plc, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, Monday gathered at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos celebrate his life and times.

Their different moving tributes they described him as a titan while also remembering him for his laudable achievements as a banker of repute.

Friends including Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, Gov Dapo Abiodun, Femi Adesina, his staff, former Secondary school mate and many others paid tribute to the 57-year-old.

In  an emotion laden ‘Night of Tributes’ with touching memories, dignitaries from the public and private sectors, led by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; governors of Lagos and Ogun States; Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor; and bank chief executives sang praises of the late bank chief.

Wigwe, 57 years old, who was also Managing Director/Chief EO Access Bank Plc, died in a helicopter crash in United States on 9th February, alongside his wife, Chizoba, their son, Chizi, amd former President of the Nigeria Exchange, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

Other dignitaries at the event included President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Adesina Akinwunmi, Chairman Zenith Bank Plc, Mr.Jim Ovia, Chairman Coronation Capital, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CEO GTHoldings Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, CEO FirstBank Nigeria Limited, Adesola Adedutan; and the President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Dr. Ken Okpara.

In an emotion laden voice, Dangote described the late Wigwe as more than a friend and mentee, regretting that he could not do anything to prevent the death of Wigwe, his wife and son. Dangote described Wigwe as a “visionary role model and a perfectionist who gave so much of himself. His strides are seen in the economic landscape of the country.

“He is a pillar of support and strength for me and my family. He supported me as the company grew and he is part of success story. Herbert’s wise counsel was central to the growth of Dangote Group. I will forever cherish his friendship and I owe him a debt of gratitude. Herbert’s courage was second to none and he was never short of anything. We share a common principle of perseverance which is a secret of success.”

On his part, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, who noted that Wigwe along with his wife and son did not do anything to have deserved their fate, said the sad occurrence was the will of God.
He described Wigwe as extremely hard working, bold, diligent, intentional, consistent, reliable and dependable. “He was loyal to his friends. He was intelligent, and way ahead of his time. He was ever so forward thinking, believed in Nigeria and did everything to support and promote the course of the country.
“I can’t thank him enough for supporting dreams of the state. He was instrumental to the payment of salaries to private bond and projects of the state such as the airport. The history of the state will not be complete without Herbert. I appreciate the speed of his trust in my government to hit the ground running. He was a different person to everyone, selfless and promise keeping. God has called him and knows why has called him to himself,” he stressed