Access Bank, Nigeria’s largest lender, faces a devastating blow as its co-founder and chief executive, Herbert Wigwe, tragically loses his life in a helicopter crash in the California desert. The fatal incident also claims the lives of Wigwe’s wife and son, marking a profound loss for the Access Bank family.
Prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu and World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, express their condolences as the nation mourns the passing of this influential banking tycoon. Access Holdings Chairman Abubakar Jimoh acknowledges the gravity of the loss and assures stakeholders that the board will soon appoint an acting CEO to continue Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.
The helicopter, identified as an Airbus Helicopters EC-130, crashed with six people on board, including Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former president of the National Council of the Nigeria Stock Exchange. The National Transportation Safety Board takes charge of the investigation into the incident that occurred near Halloran Springs in the Mojave Desert.
As the banking community grapples with the loss of two esteemed leaders, Herbert Wigwe’s significant contributions to Access Bank and his vision for a groundbreaking $500 million university in Nigeria resonate. Wigwe’s commitment to fostering education for the finance and technology industries stands as a testament to his legacy.
The tragedy also claims the life of Abimbola Ogunbanjo, a distinguished figure in both banking and legal circles. Ogunbanjo’s extensive career, from banking at Chase Manhattan to serving in various capacities at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, leaves a lasting impact on the financial landscape.
In the wake of this aviation tragedy, the Nigerian financial sector mourns the loss of two influential leaders, leaving an indelible void in the industry they dedicated their lives to shaping.
