On Saturday, February 10, 2024, Nigerians received with shock the news of the sudden demise of Access Holdings CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife, and son who all died in a helicopter crash in California.
This article takes a closer look at the late businessman, his life, career, and journey.
Early Life and Education
Herbert Wigwe, born on August 15, 1966, hailed from Omueke Isiokpo in Rivers State, Nigeria. He grew up in a close-knit family alongside his parents and siblings.
After completing his secondary education at St. Gregory’s College in Lagos, he pursued higher studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated with a degree in accountancy in 1987.
Expanding his academic horizons, Wigwe pursued postgraduate studies abroad, earning master’s degrees in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales and Financial Economics from the University of London.
Career and Achievements
Herbert Wigwe’s career in the banking sector spanned decades, marked by numerous accolades and honors. He was celebrated as the African Banker of the Year in 2016 and received the BusinessDay CEO of the Year award in 2017, among others.
His leadership not only transformed Access Holdings but also positioned him as a prominent figure in Nigeria and across Africa.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Wigwe was deeply committed to social responsibility. In 2018, he founded the Herbert Wigwe Foundation, dedicated to providing scholarships and mentorship to young Nigerians.
His philanthropic efforts extended to supporting causes such as free malaria treatment and education for children in slum areas.
Through initiatives like the W Initiative, aimed at women’s empowerment, and the Access Bank Art X Prize, promoting emerging artists, Wigwe left a lasting impact on society, embodying the values of leadership, compassion, and excellence.
Family and Personal Life
Herbert Wigwe was married to Chizoba Wigwe (nee Nwuba), a lawyer and entrepreneur. They shared a close bond with their four children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah, and David.
His commitment to his family was evident in the quality time he devoted to them, cherishing every moment spent together. Additionally, he maintained a strong connection with his parents and siblings, fostering a sense of unity and support within his extended family circle.
Net Worth
Although his precise net worth remained undisclosed, reports suggested that Dr. Herbert Wigwe has an estimated net worth of around $65.2 million.
Cause of Death
On February 10, 2024, Wigwe, the Co-founder of Access Bank and the founder, Wigwe University, alongside his wife, Chizoba, son and lawyer, Abimbola Ogunbanjo died in a helicopter crash on Friday.
The chopper was headed to Las Vegas when it crashed near a border city between Nevada and California on Friday night.
The US government confirmed all on board dead as no survivor has been located as of Saturday morning.