The atmosphere at the Eko Hotel on March 4th was somber as industry captains, corporate leaders, brand owners, friends, and family gathered to pay their respects to the late Group CEO of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe.
Funeral rites for Herbert Wigwe commenced last Monday with a ceremony titled “Herbert Wigwe: Celebrating Professional Excellence” in Lagos.
Among the dignitaries present were Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, chairman of Coronation Group; Segun Agbaje, Group CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc; Minister of Finance, Wale Edu; President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina; and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu.
Tributes poured in for Wigwe during the ceremony, with many highlighting his remarkable contributions to the banking industry in Nigeria. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede described him as a brilliant banker who played a pivotal role in transforming the sector.
Segun Agbaje, in his tribute, emphasized Wigwe’s exceptional accomplishments, stating that he achieved more in his 57 years than most people do in two lifetimes. He fondly remembered Wigwe as a colleague, friend, brother, and competitor.
Business magnate Aliko Dangote announced plans to immortalize Wigwe by naming the major road leading to his refinery in Lagos after him. Dangote hailed Wigwe as a devoted friend, mentee, and supporter, praising his dedication and willingness to go the extra mile.
Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, hailed Wigwe as a pillar of support and a repository of knowledge and creative thinking. Ken Opara, President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, expressed deep condolences and reflected on Wigwe’s courageous spirit and tireless contributions to the banking sector.
Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, praised Wigwe for bringing pride to Nigeria and Africa, describing him as relentless, determined, and visionary.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State commended Wigwe’s achievements in the banking sector and recalled his instrumental role in mitigating the risks posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The funeral ceremony served as a poignant reminder of Wigwe’s legacy and the profound impact he had on the banking industry and beyond. Wigwe, along with his wife, son, and a former Group Chairman, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on February 9 near the California-Nevada border.
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