Access Bank has officially confirmed the death of its Chief Executive Officier, Herbert Wigwe.
Wakadaily reported that the company’s holdings CEO died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, his only son and three other passengers.
The former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo were among the five others in the crash.
It was gathered that the chopper was headed to Las Vegas when it crashed near a border city between Nevada and California on Friday night.
The helicopter carrying the Access CEO and others was identified as a Eurocopter EC130 by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
Speaking on the passage of Herbert Wigwe, the company secretary, Sunday Ekwochi 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’).
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 sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones.
Dr. Wigwe was driving force and a larger-than life personality and experience who brought his remarkable passion, experience and energy to the transformation of th Access Bank Franchise since joining the Bank in 2002.”
Commenting on the sudden death of Wigwe, Chairman of Access Holdings, Abubakar Jimoh, said: “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 Familyand 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.”
