Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe CON, born on August 15, 1966, was not just a Nigerian banker and entrepreneur; he was a visionary leader whose legacy transcended the financial world.
As the CEO of Access Holdings Plc, formerly known as Access Corporation, Wigwe demonstrated exceptional leadership until his tragic demise in a helicopter crash in California.
A graduate in accounting from the University of Nigeria, Wigwe’s academic prowess was matched only by his ambition. His journey in the banking sector began at Coopers & Lybrand, Lagos, where he honed his skills as a management consultant before qualifying as a chartered accountant.
However, it was his tenure at Access Bank plc that truly defined Wigwe’s career trajectory. Rising through the ranks, he eventually assumed the role of Group Managing Director/CEO, succeeding his business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, in January 2014. Under his leadership, Access Bank emerged as one of Nigeria’s top five banking institutions, a testament to his strategic acumen and unwavering dedication.
Wigwe’s commitment to excellence extended beyond the boardroom. He pursued further studies, earning an MA in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor) and an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of London.
Additionally, he enriched his knowledge through the Harvard Business School Executive Management Programme.
Throughout his illustrious career, Wigwe remained grounded in his principles, prioritising integrity and innovation. His pivotal role in transforming Access Bank from a modest institution to a powerhouse within the Nigerian banking sector underscored his visionary leadership.
Tragically, on February 10, 2024, Wigwe’s life was cut short in a helicopter crash while en route to Las Vegas. Alongside him were his beloved wife, son, and another passenger, whose identity remains undisclosed. The untimely demise of Herbert Wigwe sent shockwaves through the business community, leaving behind a void that can never be filled.
An Airbus Helicopter EC-130 crashed near Baker, a small town in California’s Mojave Desert, on Friday evening, according to Peter Knudson, a spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board.
The helicopter, carrying six individuals, departed from Palm Springs Airport around 8:45 p.m. en route to Boulder City, Nevada, before crashing around 10 p.m. Sheriff’s officials have reported no survivors, and the cause of the crash remains unknown.
The National Transportation Safety Board is dispatching a team to investigate the incident. This tragedy follows closely after a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter crash near San Diego, which claimed the lives of five Marines just days earlier. The crash site is about 26 miles southeast of Las Vegas, where Super Bowl LVIII is scheduled to take place on Sunday.
