Access Holdings Plc has reported that Dr. Herbert Wigwe, its Chief Executive Officer, passed away in a helicopter accident in the United States, together with his wife and children.
The news was released on Sunday in a statement that Sunday Ekwochi, the group company secretary, signed.
“The founding group chief executive officer of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) and the former group managing director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’), Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, passed away, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) announced with deep sadness.
On Friday, February 9, 2024, Dr. Wigwe passed away in a helicopter crash in the United States of America, along with his wife and kid.
“The death of Herbert, Doreen, and Chizi is deeply felt by the entire Access Family.” We offer his family and loved ones our profound condolences.
“Dr. Wigwe, who joined the Bank in 2002, was a major force behind the transformation of the Access franchise. His extraordinary passion, energy, and experience were invaluable. He possessed a larger-than-life personality.”
Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, Chairman of Access Holdings, commented on Dr. Wigwe’s passing, saying, “The Access Family has suffered a major loss with the passing of Dr. Wigwe, who was a great friend and fine gentleman.” We are indebted to him for his invaluable business experience, remarkable personal traits, and extraordinary intelligence, all of which he brought to the Access Family.
As to the Company’s guidelines, “The Board will shortly declare the selection of an Acting Group CEO, but we are still optimistic that the Access Group will further expand upon Dr. Wigwe’s legacy of expansion and operational prowess.”
“Today, we bid farewell to a visionary leader, @HerbertOWigwe, whose passion and unwavering commitment to excellence transformed Access into a global powerhouse,” the Bank wrote on their X account.
Today, we bid farewell to a visionary leader, @HerbertOWigwe, whose passion and unwavering commitment to excellence transformed Access into a global powerhouse.
His legacy of excellence and compassion will continue to inspire us all.
Rest in peace, Herbert Wigwe. Your impact… pic.twitter.com/Hmatx5aT9D
— Access Bank Plc (@myaccessbank) February 11, 2024
We shall all be motivated to strive for excellence and compassion by his legacy.
Peace be with you, Herbert Wigwe. Your influence will last a lifetime.
Access Holdings Plc had already confirmed rumors about Dr. Wigwe’s involvement in a helicopter accident, but it had not provided any further information. The business announced that it was working with US officials to get updates on the event, which happened close to the California–Nevada border.
