Access Holdings Plc has officially confirmed the tragic passing of its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, alongside his wife and son, in a helicopter accident in the United States.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, Access Holdings Plc expressed profound sadness over the loss.
The statement reads, “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, along with his wife and son, tragically lost their lives 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.”
The statement further quotes Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, Chairman of Access Holdings, expressing grief over Dr. Wigwe’s passing and acknowledging his exceptional leadership qualities.
The Board of Access Holdings Plc will soon announce the appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, as per the company’s policy, while remaining confident in the continued growth and operational excellence of the Access Group.
Access Bank also paid tribute to Dr. Wigwe on their official X account, highlighting his visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, stating, “Today, we bid farewell to a visionary leader, @HerbertOWigwe, whose passion and unwavering commitment to excellence transformed Access into a global powerhouse. His legacy of excellence and compassion will continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, Herbert Wigwe. Your impact will forever be felt.”
Access Holdings Plc had earlier acknowledged reports of the helicopter crash involving Dr. Wigwe, expressing cooperation with US authorities for updates on the tragic incident near the California-Nevada border.
