CEO of Access Bank dies in chopper crash with his wife and son

ACESS CEO 1024x577 1

Tragic news struck Africa’s financial landscape as a helicopter carrying Herbert Wigwe, the CEO of Access Bank and Access Holdings, crashed in California, United States. This devastating incident claimed the lives of Wigwe, his wife, son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjoa, a former chair of the Nigerian Exchange Group. The chopper, en route to Las Vegas, crashed near Nipton, between Nevada and California, with no survivors found as of the latest reports.

The impact of this loss reverberates through the financial community, as Wigwe, alongside Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, transformed one of Nigeria’s smallest banks into one of Africa’s largest financial institutions just 22 years ago. The profound implications of his sudden demise echo not only in the corridors of Access Bank but across the entire African financial infrastructure.

Herbert Wigwe’s leadership played a pivotal role in shaping Access Bank’s trajectory, turning it into a prominent force within the continent’s banking sector. The tragic incident not only claims the life of a visionary leader but also casts a shadow over the future of Access Bank and its subsidiaries. The intricate web of financial institutions connected to Access Holdings now faces an uncertain path, grappling with the void left by Wigwe’s untimely departure.

The crash involved a Eurocopter EC 130 helicopter, registered to the Burbank-based tour company Orbic Air. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board are diligently investigating the incident to determine its cause. As the financial world mourns the loss of a prominent figure, the investigation seeks to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic crash, providing answers to the grieving families and colleagues left behind.

Herbert Wigwe’s legacy extends beyond his role as a banking executive; it encompasses the lives he touched, the institutions he shaped, and the impact he made on Africa’s financial landscape. The void left by his absence prompts reflections on the fragility of life and the unpredictability of fate, urging the financial community to come together in support and solidarity during these challenging times.

As the investigation unfolds, the financial community remains on edge, awaiting insights into the factors that led to this catastrophic event. The outcomes of the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board investigations will not only bring closure to the affected families but also contribute to enhancing aviation safety standards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The official X page of Mr. Gabby Otchere-Darko reads below:

access

The untimely demise of Herbert Wigwe, his family, and Abimbola Ogunbanjoa sends shockwaves through the African financial sector. The legacy of Wigwe’s leadership at Access Bank and Access Holdings is now interwoven with the memories of a tragic helicopter crash, prompting a collective mourning and a sober reflection on life’s uncertainties. The financial community stands united in honoring the contributions of a visionary leader while eagerly awaiting the results of the investigations that will unravel the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.

Source: TV3 online