‘Nigeria has lost an innovative entrepreneur’ — Uba Sani mourns Wigwe

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna state, has paid tribute to Herbert Wigwe, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc.

On Saturday, around 7am Nigerian time, Wigwe, his wife, son and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), were involved in a helicopter crash in the United States.

There were six passengers onboard, but no survivors have been found so far.

The Kaduna governor said he received the news with shock and a deep sense of loss.

“I received with shock and deep sense of loss the news of the passing on of the Chairman/CEO of Access Corporation (one of Kaduna State’s development partners), Mr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR,” Sani said in a statement on Sunday.

“Nigeria has lost one of its most innovative and creative entrepreneurs. He not only led Access Bank to become a global brand, he developed Access Corporation into a veritable vehicle for addressing developmental challenges.

“He established Wigwe University to equip Nigerian youths with the skills of competing in a complex and fast-changing world. Herbert Wigwe’s worthy legacies will surely endure.

“On behalf of the government and people of Kaduna State, I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the Wigwe Family, his relations, friends, business associates, members of Corporate Nigeria, and all Nigerians on the demise of this globally acclaimed banker and entrepreneur.

“May Herbert Wigwe’s soul rest in perfect peace.”