Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe was a Nigerian banker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who tragically died in a helicopter crash on February 9, 2024. He was the CEO of Access Holdings Plc, one of the largest and most influential banking groups in Africa.
He was also the founder of the Herbert Wigwe Foundation, which supported education and healthcare initiatives in Nigeria. He left behind a legacy of leadership, vision, and innovation in the banking industry, as well as a fortune estimated at $65.2 million.
Early Life and Education
Wigwe was born on August 15, 1966, in Isiokpo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to parents of Ikwerre descent. He had three sisters and one brother. He attended the University of Nigeria, where he graduated with a degree in accountancy in 1987.
He then obtained a master’s degree in Banking and Finance from the same university. He also received various professional qualifications and certifications, such as the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and the Harvard Business School.
Career and Achievements
Wigwe started his career as a management consultant at Coopers and Lybrand Associates, an international accounting firm. He then joined Guaranty Trust Bank, where he worked for over a decade and rose to the position of Executive Director.
In 2002, he left Guaranty Trust Bank and co-founded Access Bank Plc with Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, his friend and former colleague. He became the Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank Plc and later the Group Managing Director/CEO in 2014.
Under his leadership, Access Bank Plc grew from a small commercial bank to a leading financial institution in Africa, with operations in 12 countries and over 40 million customers. He spearheaded several strategic initiatives, such as the merger with Diamond Bank in 2019, the acquisition of Grobank in South Africa in 2021, and the expansion into the UK and China markets.
He also championed the adoption of digital banking solutions, such as Access Mobile, Access Pay, and Access More, to enhance customer experience and convenience.
Wigwe was widely recognized and respected for his contributions to the banking industry and the Nigerian economy. He received numerous awards and honors, such as the African Banker of the Year in 2016, the BusinessDay CEO of the Year in 2017, the Forbes Best of Africa Award in 2020, and the Zik Prize for Professional Leadership in 2020.
He was also a member of several prestigious boards and committees, such as the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, the Global Business Coalition for Education, and the World Economic Forum.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Wigwe was married to Chizoba Wigwe, a lawyer and entrepreneur. They had four children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah, and David. He was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his wife and children.
He was also a generous philanthropist who supported various causes and projects in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and social welfare. He founded the Herbert Wigwe Foundation in 2016, which aimed to improve the quality of life of Nigerians, especially the less privileged and vulnerable.
Some of the foundation’s initiatives included the HOW Foundation, which provided scholarships, mentorship, and leadership training to young Nigerians; the Access Women Network, which empowered women entrepreneurs and professionals; and the Access Bank COVID-19 Relief Fund, which donated over N1 billion to the fight against the pandemic.
Death and Legacy
Wigwe died in a helicopter crash on February 9, 2024, along with his wife, one of his sons, and three others. They were traveling from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to attend the Super Bowl, when their helicopter crashed in the Mojave Desert near the California-Nevada border.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but witnesses reported seeing a fire and hearing an explosion. The news of their deaths shocked and saddened many Nigerians and Africans, who mourned the loss of a banking legend and a national icon.
Wigwe left behind a net worth of $65.2 million, which he accumulated from his successful banking career and his investments in various sectors, such as real estate, oil and gas, and agriculture. He also left behind a legacy of excellence, innovation, and impact in the banking industry and the society at large. He will be remembered as a visionary leader, a passionate entrepreneur, and a compassionate philanthropist who touched the lives of millions of people.
Conclusion
Herbert Wigwe was a Nigerian banker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who died in a helicopter crash on February 9, 2024. He was the CEO of Access Holdings Plc, one of the largest and most influential banking groups in Africa. He was also the founder of the Herbert Wigwe Foundation, which supported education and healthcare initiatives in Nigeria.
He had a net worth of $65.2 million, which he earned from his successful banking career and his investments in various sectors. He was a leader, a visionary, and a humanitarian who made a lasting impact on the banking industry and the society at large. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many.