The Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, wife, child and partner, Bimbo Ogunbanjo have died in a tragic helicopter crash in California, USA.

The death of Wigwe, wife , child and business partner, Ogunbanjo is sending shock waves to Nigerian business community.

Wigwe’s demise and others is leaving behind a void felt not only in the corporate world but also in the hearts of those who knew them.

Wigwe, a luminary in the banking and financial sector, was not merely a tycoon chasing profits; he was a visionary leader with a fervent dedication to his nation’s progress. His untimely demise occurred during a crucial juncture, as he sought to revolutionize Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.

Access Bank, under Wigwe’s astute leadership, pledged to undertake the refurbishment of vital airport facilities, including toilets, lifts, and other visible infrastructure. In exchange, the bank secured a visibility barter agreement, signaling a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing both customer experience and national pride.

Despite his towering success and financial acumen, Wigwe remained grounded in his roots, recently investing significantly in a varsity project in his hometown of Port-Harcourt.

Beyond the boardroom, Wigwe’s charisma and warmth endeared him to all who crossed his path. His rapport with the Honourable Minister transcended the confines of business, as they exchanged banter and sealed their agreement with a handshake, emblematic of their shared vision for a prosperous Nigeria.

Herbert Wigwe’s visionary leadership and legacy extends far beyond the realm of finance.

His unwavering dedication to his nation and his indomitable spirit serve as inspiration to us all. Though he may have left this world prematurely, his vision and values will continue to guide us as we strive for a brighter future.

Wigwe had a degree in accountancy from the University of Nigeria, an MA in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor), an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of London and was an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program.

Born 15 August 1966, Wigwe started his career at Coopers & Lybrand, Lagos as a management consultant, later qualifying as a chartered accountant. After a stint at Capital Bank, he joined GTBank where he spent over a decade working in corporate and institutional banking, rising to become the executive director in charge of institutional banking.

In 2002, Wigwe and his business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede bought into what was then a small commercial bank, Access Bank – at the time, the 65th largest of the 89 banks in the country.[3]

Access Bank is now one of the top five banks in Nigeria and ranked among the top 500 global banks according to a 2015 report by The Banker magazine and is aiming to be Africa’s top bank. It currently serves over 6.5 million account-holders, through 350 branches and with more than 1,500 ATMs in major centres across Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa and the UK.[4]

Wigwe also served as the Chairman of Access Bank Ghana Limited,[5] Access Investment & Securities Limited, Central Securities and Clearing System (CSCS) and is the current Chairman of Access Bank (UK) Limited. He is a board member of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company and a member of the advisory Board for Friends Africa. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN – FCA), a Fellow of The Institute of Credit Administration, and an Honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.