Herbert Wigwe: Nigeria’s Political realm reacts

Access Holdings CEO, Herbert Wigwe took Nigeria’s political realm by shock when reports of his death was announced following the crashing of an helicopter at the border separating Nevada and California, USA.

Wigwe together with his family were reportedly in the helicopter as the New York Times confirmed the Access Holdings CEO was part of a number of lives that were lost in the crash.

It created quite the stir online as politicians and business moguls who were close to the former Access Bank CEO took to social media to mourn the fallen elite.

Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the last election, Peter Obi, in his reaction to the news, expressed profound sadness over the demise of Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, along with his family.

TopNaija News reported that the Wigwe family reportedly died in a helicopter crash in the United States of America on Friday.

Reports indicated that Wigwe, his wife, and son were aboard the helicopter en route to Las Vegas when it crashed near the border between Nevada and California. The tragic incident has left a deep impact not only on the business community but also on political figures and leaders across Nigeria.

In a statement, Peter Obi recalled his acquaintance with Wigwe, dating back to the early days of his marital journey. Obi described Wigwe as a determined and forward-thinking individual whose contributions extended far beyond the professional realm.

I'm deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of my dear friend, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings, along with his wife and son, and another close friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former group chairman of NGX Group. pic.twitter.com/7H1kHEjaob

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) February 11, 2024

He highlighted Wigwe’s notable philanthropic efforts in health and education, exemplified by the establishment of Wigwe University, showcasing his commitment to societal development.

Similarly, former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, expressed her condolences, terming the loss as a terrible incident. She extended her sympathies to the families of the deceased and the employees of Access Bank Group, where Wigwe served as the CEO.

The tragic news also prompted a response from Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, who described Wigwe as a colossus in Nigeria’s financial sector. Obaseki commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed for comfort during this difficult time.

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, echoed the sentiments of loss and extended his condolences to Wigwe’s family and loved ones. He honored Wigwe’s legacy as a consummate banker, education promoter, and philanthropist.

The untimely demise of Herbert Wigwe, his family, and other passengers in the helicopter crash has sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving many mourning the loss of a visionary leader and his loved ones.

On the 28th of May, 2023, I captured this video of Mr Herbert Wigwe and Aliko Dangote exiting the Legend Hilton in Lagos to board a private jet. This news just makes everything feels so surreal. May GOD comfort his family. pic.twitter.com/t8RtQYDFzS

— Royalty Uso👑 (@royaltyuso) February 10, 2024