Access Holdings Plc has said it is deeply saddened by the death of its Group Chief executive officer (CEO) Herbert Wigwe.
Mr Wigwe and several others including his wife and son, and a former group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, died in an helicopter crash in the United States on February 9.
Although the cause of the crash remains unclear, it is believed to have occurred due to bad weather.
In a statement signed by the company’s group secretary Sunday Ekwochi, the bank said: “It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) announces the passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’). Dr. Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024 in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.
“The entire Access Family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen and Chizi. We extend our deep and sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones. Dr. Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002.”
Commenting on the passage of Wigwe, chairman of Access Holdings Abubakar Jimoh said in the statement, “The Access Family has suffered a major loss with the passing of Dr. Wigwe who was a great friend and fine gentleman. He had a prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities, and vast business experience which he brought to bear on the Access Family and for which we owe him a debt of gratitude.
“In line with the Company’s policy, the Board will soon announce the appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer even as we remain confident that the Access Group will build further on Dr. Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.”