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Fatal Helicopter Crash: Access Bank GMD Herbert Wigwe and Others Feared Dead

The fragility of life

Published

3 months ago

February 10, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Tragic news has emerged as it is reported that Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, along with his wife, son, and others, are feared dead in a helicopter crash in the United States of America.

The helicopter, reportedly headed to Las Vegas, crashed near a border city between Nevada and California on Friday night.

Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), was among the passengers. The crash occurred near Nipton on the edge of the Mojave Desert in California, marking the state’s second fatal helicopter accident in under a week.

The helicopter involved, a Eurocopter EC 130, was carrying a total of six people at the time of the incident. This tragedy follows closely after another helicopter crash involving a Navy chopper carrying five troops during a routine training flight in Pine Valley, California.

As authorities continue their investigation, it is a sombre reminder of the risks associated with air travel and the devastating impact of such accidents on individuals and their families.

In addition to the tragic events surrounding the helicopter crash, it’s important to note that rescue efforts have been ongoing since the incident occurred. Search and rescue teams have been deployed to the crash site in San Bernardino County, but no survivors have been located.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities working diligently to determine the circumstances that led to this devastating accident. Meanwhile, condolences and prayers pour in from colleagues, friends, and well-wishers for the victims and their families during this difficult time.

The loss of Herbert Wigwe, his family members, and others aboard the helicopter is deeply felt within the business community and among those who knew them personally. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the need for utmost caution in all forms of travel.

Herbert Wigwe: A Legacy in Seven Chapters

In the realm of banking and finance, the name Herbert Wigwe echoes with significance and distinction. As we reflect on his remarkable journey, let us unravel the seven chapters that define his legacy.

Chapter One: Early Beginnings Mr. Wigwe embarked on his professional voyage with Coopers & Lybrand Associates, where he honed his skills in accountancy, laying the groundwork for his illustrious career ahead.

Chapter Two: The GT Bank Era For over a decade, Wigwe served at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, navigating diverse portfolios with finesse. His tenure as Executive Director marked a pivotal phase in his career trajectory.

Chapter Three: The Access Bank Transformation In March 2002, Herbert Wigwe embarked on a transformative journey as Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank Plc. His leadership was instrumental in reshaping the institution’s landscape, heralding a new era of growth and innovation.

Chapter Four: Ascension to the Top With unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, Wigwe ascended to the pinnacle of Access Bank, assuming the role of Group Managing Director/CEO in January 2014. His tenure was characterized by strategic acumen and bold initiatives that propelled the bank to unprecedented heights.

Chapter Five: Academic Pursuits Beyond the boardroom, Wigwe’s thirst for knowledge led him to prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School, where he further enriched his executive acumen through rigorous academic pursuits.

Chapter Six: Academic Accomplishments Armed with a master’s degree in Banking and International Finance from the University College of North Wales, a master’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of London, and a B.Sc. degree in Accounting from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Wigwe exemplified academic excellence in his quest for professional mastery.

Chapter Seven: Contributions to the Industry As a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a member of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Wigwe’s influence transcended organizational boundaries, shaping the trajectory of the banking sector at large.

As we bid farewell to a titan of the banking industry, let us cherish the indelible mark left by Herbert Wigwe—a legacy etched in the annals of Nigerian banking history.

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