*Pix above: Wigwe and the ill-fated chopper
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday, reacted to the deaths of the CEO of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son, as well as a former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc., Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, describing it as an overwhelming tragedy.
“It is shocking beyond comprehension,” the president said.
“President Bola Tinubu receives the news with shock and deep distress and mourns these exceptional Nigerian business leaders,” a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said.
The President condoled with the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by the harrowing incident.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed and asked God Almighty to comfort the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonising moment.
The statement is titled, “President Tinubu mourns CEO of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and family members.”
Wigwe, his wife, son, and Ogunbanjo, as well as the two crew members, died in an ill-fated helicopter in California near the Nevada border, United States of America, on Friday night.
Access Holdings Plc has confirmed the accident and those killed in the helicopter crash.
A statement signed by the Group 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’).
“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.”
United States authorities said preliminary reports suggest that a wintry weather condition contributed to the crash.
…As Otedola mourns Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife, others
Meanwhile, billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has expressed profound grief following the tragic passing of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, the Chairman of Access Holdings, along with his wife, son, and former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc., Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in a devastating helicopter crash in the United States.
The news of Wigwe’s untimely demise sent shockwaves through the financial and business community, leaving colleagues and friends in grief.
Otedola fondly recalled a recent dinner the couple hosted at their newly built home in Lagos, an evening that had since taken on poignant significance as he thought back on the cherished memories he had shared with Wigwe.
According to him, Wigwe’s legacy transcends the confines of the banking sector, resonating deeply with those who had the privilege of knowing him.
“His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on all who crossed his path, serving as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.”
In his message, Otedola extended his deepest condolences to Wigwe’s children, Tochi, Hannah, and David, offering prayers for comfort and strength during this difficult period./PLEASE SHARE
Tags: PBAT, Femi Otedola, Sunday Ekwochi, Helicopter Crash, Herbert Wigwe
–Below: The ill-fated chopper:
