President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, French President Emmanuel Macron, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and other dignitaries paid tribute on Sunday to the late MD/CEO of Access Corporation, Herbert Wigwe, describing him as a builder of institutions, lives, and societies.

Herbert Wigwe tragically passed away on February 9, 2024, in a helicopter crash near Nipton, California, USA. The crash also claimed the lives of his wife, Doreen Chizoba Wigwe, their 29-year-old son, Chizi Wigwe, former Nigerian Exchange Group Plc Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two crew members.

To honor their memory, Access Corporation held a first-year memorial service in Lagos, attended by dignitaries including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Wale Edun, Emir of Kano Lamido Sanusi, Chairman of Access Corporation, MD/CEO of Access Bank Roosevelt Ogbona, and other top bank executives.

Tributes from Dignitaries

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a tribute delivered by Minister Wale 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,” Tinubu said.

President Emmanuel Macron praised Wigwe as an exceptional entrepreneur and a friend of France.

“He made significant contributions as Chairman of the Nigeria-France Business Council, strengthening the bilateral relationship and friendship between France and Nigeria,” Macron noted.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo highlighted Wigwe’s resilience and dedication to partnership.

“Despite his success, he remained accessible and committed to nurturing relationships. He understood that true leadership involves building both institutions and people. His legacy is a testament to what Africans can achieve through vision, determination, and collaboration,” Obasanjo stated.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Wigwe as a visionary who believed in Nigeria and Africa’s capacity to rise above challenges.

“He was a builder of men and businesses, turning visions into reality. His absence is deeply felt in Lagos State, as there are projects today that would have progressed faster if he were still with us. Herbert made my work easier by mobilizing partners and funding for state projects,” Sanwo-Olu added.

The late Herbert Wigwe is remembered for his transformative leadership, visionary impact, and enduring legacy as a true builder of lives and institutions.



https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/02/late-herbert-wigwe-a-builder-of-institutions-and-lives-tinubu-macron-others/