It was a moment of solemn reflection on Sunday as tributes poured in to mark the one-year remembrance of late Access Holdings CEO, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba, and their son, Chizyi, who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in California, USA.
Leading the tributes, Access Bank described Wigwe’s passing as an “irreparable loss,” emphasizing that his legacy continues to inspire.
“One year later, we still feel the void, but we also feel the weight of their legacy—one that challenges us to be better, do better, and strive for greatness,” the bank wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.
At the one-year remembrance service held in Lagos, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister of Finance Wale Edun, described Wigwe as more than a banker but a builder of institutions and dreams.
The president stated regarding Wigwe, “His tenure of years of Access Holdings saw the transformation of the bank into a global financial powerhouse, raising Nigeria’s banking sector to enviable heights. His brilliance, resilience and foresight positioned Access Bank as a major player, not just in Africa, but across the world, symbolising the limitless potential of Nigerian enterprise.
“Beyond business, Herbert was a man deeply committed to society, his passion for education, youth empowerment and healthcare shone brightly through his philanthropic works.
“Through the Wigwe University project, he sought to redefine higher education in Nigeria believing that knowledge and skill are the greatest investment in the nation’s future.
“His impact was not confined to boardrooms and balance sheets, it was deeply felt in the lives he touched, the opportunities he created and the hope that he inspired.
“The loss of Herbert, Doreen and Chizi has left a void that can’t truly be filled. We find solace in the enduring legacy of his work, his values and the institutions that he built. His story reminds us all that vision, hard work and service to humanity are the true measures of greatness.
“On this solemn occasion, I extend my solemn condolences to the Wigwe family, his colleagues at Access Holdings and all who knew and loved him. May his soul and those of his dear wife and son and all those who departed on that unfortunate day continue to rest in perfect peace.”
The French President, Emmanuel Macron in his tribute delivered by the consul general of France in Lagos, Favier, Macron described Wigwe as a friend of France.
Macaron said, “As we commemorate the first anniversary of his sudden death, the government of France salutes an exceptional entrepreneur, a man who served his country and the public interest, a friend of France.
Similarly, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley in her tribute stated that fairness and authenticity were the core of Wigwe’s philosophy.
Speaking, Mottley noted, “It is said that strong passion is what drives us. And in Herbert, immediately, I found a man who had both purpose and passion, and for whom obstacles were simply the decorations of life that we found along the pathway, but not the obstacles to progress.
“You would, therefore, appreciate that when one year ago we got the tragic news, it is the only time in recent years that I prayed that it was fake news in a world where fake news dominates so much.
“Along the way, Herbert shared with me his plans to establish the university, the Wigwe University, and he asked me whether I would agree to be its first Chancellor.
“I regret that because of the office that I hold, I was unable to accept that offer, but he knew and I knew that in my heart, without the assumption of the formal office that I would continue to have a close relationship with this university.
“And, indeed, it gave me the honour to share words with it upon its establishment. I understood what he meant when he said he wanted to ensure that the people who pass through that university would be fearless because fear is the most paralysing of emotions that we know as human beings.”
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also paid glowing tribute to Wigwe, acknowledging his pivotal role in promoting investment in Lagos.
“A year ago, the world as we knew it changed forever. In an instant, we lost a man whose presence was larger than life. He especially believed in our work here in Lagos, travelling the world with us to mobilise partners and funding,” the governor stated.
The remembrance service, held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, drew an array of dignitaries, including family members, business associates, and political figures. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, was also in attendance.
The ceremony served as a testament to the indelible mark Herbert Wigwe left in Nigeria’s financial and business landscape, with attendees reflecting on his vision, philanthropy, and enduring impact on the nation’s economy.
