‘A major loss’ — Access Holdings announces Herbert Wigwe’s death

Access Holdings Plc has confirmed the death of Herbert Wigwe, its group chief executive officer (GCEO).

Wigwe, his wife, son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), died in a helicopter crash in the US.

The Eurocopter EC130 helicopter conveying them crashed around 10pm on Friday in California — 7am on Saturday in Nigeria — near the Nevada border.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Access Holdings said Wigwe “brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience” to transform the company.

“Dr. Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024 in a helicopter accident in the United States of America,” Access Holdings said.

“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. Dr. Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002.”

Abubakar Jimoh, chairman of Access Holdings, said Wigwe’s death was a major loss, adding that the Access family owed him a debt of gratitude.

“The Access Family has suffered a major loss with the passing of Dr. Wigwe who was a great friend and fine gentleman,” Jimoh said.

“He had a prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities, and vast business experience which he brought to bear on the Access Family and for which we owe him a debt of gratitude.”

The statement was issued hours after Access Bank, a subsidiary of Access Holdings, said it lacked detailed information concerning the helicopter crash.

Access Bank had said it was actively collaborating with the US authorities for updates on the situation.

Meanwhile, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has said preliminary investigation into the crash pointed to rainy and wintry weather as possible causes.