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Plane Crash: Tinubu, Access Bank Mourn As Wigwe, Five Others Die


President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, Herbert Wigwe, alongside his wife, Doreen and son, Chizi. 

The Wigwe's, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two crew members perished in a helicopter crash in the United States on Friday, February 9, 2024. 

Late Wigwe was also the Founder of HOW Foundation.

President Bola Tinubu described the death of Wigwe, Ogunbanjo and members of the Wigwe family as a rude shock.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale disclosed in a statement on Sunday that Tinubu has received an official confirmation of the incident. 

While mourning the exceptional Nigerian business leaders, Tinubu described their death as an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.

The President commiserated with the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community and all those impacted by the harrowing incident.

He 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.

But in a statement on Sunday, Access Holdings confirmed that Wigwe died in a helicopter crash in the US. 

The Group Company Secretary of Access Holdings, Mr Sunday Ekwochi extended its deep and sincere sympathies to Wigwe's family and loved ones.

“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.

“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,” he said.

Commenting on the passage, Chairman of Access Holdings, Mr Abubakar Jimoh lamented that the Access Family has suffered a major loss with the passing of Dr Wigwe who was a great friend and fine gentleman.

“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”.

Jimoh noted that in line with the company’s policy, the Board will soon announce the appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.

He was optimistic that the Access Group will build on Dr Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.

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