Nigerians at home and the diaspora have continued to pour in condolence messages for late Nigerian Billionaire banker and MD/CEO of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe.
The 57-year-old Rivers statesman Herbert Wigwe was heading to the city of Las Vegas in a Eurocopter EC 130 chopper to watch Super Bowl, the annual league championship game of the National Football League (NFL) of the United States when the aircraft crashed.
The CEO was in the company of five others including his wife and son when the chopper crashed near Nipton, California on Friday at 10 a.m. local time.
Nigerians from far and wide have expressed sadness and sympathy over the death of the business tycoon.
Condolence roll in for late Herbert Wigwe
“I’m deeply saddened to hear about the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, and his family. Indeed, Herbert Wigwe, consummate banker, education promoter, and philanthropist, numbered his days. On behalf of my family, my heart goes out to their loved ones and everyone affected by this unfortunate incident. May their souls rest in peace.”
Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar
“Terribly saddened by the news of the terrible loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO Access Bank, his wife and son as well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash.
“My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Group employees and Management and my younger brother, Herbert’s partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
WTO Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
“I’m deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of my dear friend, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings, along with his wife and son, and another close friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former group chairman of NGX Group. This loss is profoundly felt across the nation. I first met Herbert during his early days, on the brink of starting his marital journey.”
Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
“I am shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of a banking genius Herbert Wigwe, his dear wife Chizoba and first son Chizi. Exactly two weeks ago Herbie and his wife hosted myself and Aliko to dinner at his newly built home in Lagos. I will cherish and fondly remember my memories of time spent together with him over the years.”
Billionaire and former Forte Oil CEO, Femi Otedola
“We also unfortunately lost Wigwe’s wife and son, as well as the former Group Chairman of the Nigeria Stock Exchange, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in the crash. The tragic incident is painful and heart-wrenching, and we pray for God’s abiding comfort in this profoundly difficult time.
“Wigwe was a colossus in Nigeria’s financial sector, leading Access Bank to become an international brand that placed Nigeria on the global map of first-class financial services. I commiserate with the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Holding, the Nigeria Stock Exchange, friends and associates, and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki
“This is a big loss. He didn’t die alone, both his wife and son were also involved. It’s quite unfortunate that they had to die this way.”
President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, Kingsley Nwokoma
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, there were no survivors from the crash.
“We were made aware of a downed aircraft at approximately 10:12 p.m., on February 10, 2024. The scene of the crash was determined to be east of the 15-Freeway, near Halloran Springs Road,” the sheriff’s department said.