By Fred Akpewe
The reported demise of Herbert Wigwe together with his wife, Chizoba and his son, Chizi, in a California helicopter crash has thrown the Nigerian banking industry and Nigeria into deep mourning.
His life of inspiring industry was cut short at a time Nigeria needed him most, especially as it will be difficult to find one to fill into the vacuum created by his premature exit from the earth plane.
Herbert Onyewumba Wigwe was born on 15 August 1966 and was the MD/CEO of Access Bank and Access Holdings. He had a degree in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He also attended Harvard Business School where he studied Banking and Finance, Financial Economics and an Executive Programme.
Wigwe started his early career at Coopers and Lybrand, Lagos, before moving into GTBank, spending a decade expanding his skills in corporate and Institutional Banking.
In 2002 he joined forces with the legendary Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede to invest in Access Bank. Under Wigwe Access Bank grew to become a financial powerhouse and ranked amongst the top 500 global banks. He also served on the board of Access Bank of Ghana as Chairman as well as serving in the Boards of some blue chip companies.
He established the Herbert Wigwe Foundation, where he institutionalised his works of philanthropy.
He was a recipient of the Order of the Niger(CON) and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN). He was also a non-executive director of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company PLC and a member of the Governing Council of the Chatered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria
We honour a visionary leader whose legacy transcends the banking industry. His unwavering dedication, innovative spirit and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Under his stewardship Access Bank flourished, expanding its frontiers and impact, while always prioritising integrity and social responsibility.
Herbert Wigwe’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding us of the profound difference an individual can make in the world.
Though he may have gone, his vision and values will live on, guiding ACCESS BANK and all who follow in his footsteps.
Rest in Peace, Herbert Wigwe, a true Titan of banking and a beacon of inspiration to many.
•Akpewe is a senior media analyst
