Prominent Nigerians especially from the public and private sectors and some political heavyweights turned up on Monday to celebrate the life and times of the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Corporation Plc, Dr. Herbert Wigwe in Lagos as activities for his funeral kicks off.
The event was the “Celebration of Professional Excellence” of the late former Bank chief who died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, Chizoba and son, Chizzy and former President of the Nigeria Exchange, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo on February 9 in the US.
Friends and buisness associates of the former bank chief had gathered at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos on Monday to remember him for his laudable achievements as a banker of repute.
Friends including , Gov Dapo Abiodun,his staff, former Secondary school mate and many others paid tribute to the 57-year-old describing him as a titan.
Dignitaries and friends including, Aliko Dangote, Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; governors of Lagos and Ogun States; Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor; Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede sang praises of the 57yrs old late bank chief describing him as a titan.
Other dignitaries at the event included President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Adesina Akinwunmi, Chairman Zenith Bank Plc, Mr.Jim Ovia, Chairman Coronation Capital, CEO GTHoldings Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, CEO FirstBank Nigeria Limited, Adesola Adedutan; and the President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Dr. Ken Okpara among other bank executives.
Dangote in his speech reflected on how Wigwe whom he described as his friend, brother and mentee, was supportive in the building of his businesses.
Fighting to hold back tears, Dangote narrated how late Herbert encouraged him in his business pursuits.
“I am proud to name him my devoted friend, mentee and supporter. I will forever cherish the warmth of his friendship” Dangote said.
Dangote also disclosed plans to immotalise the late banker by naming the road to the Dangote Refinery as Herbert Wigwe Road.
AfDB President, Akinwunmi, in his tribute said: ‘’Herbert Wigwe brought pride to Nigeria and to Africa.
“He was relentless, determined, bold, visionary, inspiring, with exceptional drive for excellence. Everything he touched became gold
“Herbert is a bankers banker, and investors asset holder. His drive for major achievements sparks courage. Herbert was bankable and Access Bank was bankable”.
The chairman, Coronation Capital, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, described Herbert Wigwe as a brilliant banker who help to transform the banking industry in Nigeria.
Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, described late Herbert as a pillar of support who was full of knowledge, ideas and creative thinking.
“He gave me his time and thinking. He had solutions, never at a loss,” said Edun.
Governor, Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu, paid glowing tributes to the leadership qualities of late Herbert Wigwe, especially in rallying support to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Herbert led from the front during the difficult period of COVID 19.
Describing the late banker as a brother, friend adviser, who supported the infrastructure drive of his administration, Sanwo Olu said Lagos would not forget Herbert Wigwe.
