Access Holdings Plc Mourns the Passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe
Access Holdings Plc, a leading multinational financial services group headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, is grieving the loss of its esteemed Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR.
Dr. Wigwe, who also served as the founding Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, tragically passed away alongside his wife and son in a helicopter accident in the United States of America on Friday, February 9, 2024.
The Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc, in an official statement, expressed profound sadness at the sudden demise of Dr. Wigwe.
Describing him as a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality, the Board acknowledged Dr. Wigwe’s remarkable passion, energy, and extensive experience that significantly contributed to the transformation of the Access franchise since its inception in 2002.
Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, Chairman of Access Holdings, reflected on Dr. Wigwe’s legacy, highlighting his prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities, and vast business acumen.
He emphasized Dr. Wigwe’s pivotal role in shaping the growth and operational excellence of the Access Group, expressing confidence that the organization would continue to build on his legacy.
Dr. Wigwe’s influence extended beyond Access Bank, as he was instrumental in the expansion of the bank’s operations across Nigeria and Africa, ultimately leading to its status as Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest retail bank by customer base.
He served on several boards, including Access Bank UK, the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS, and the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company, among others.
A two-time recipient of the African Banker of the Year award, Dr. Wigwe was renowned for his advocacy of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and his commitment to eradicating malaria in Africa.
His academic achievements, coupled with his leadership roles in various organizations, underscored his dedication to driving positive change and fostering economic growth across the continent.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Dr. Wigwe recently founded Wigwe University, Africa’s first ivy league institution dedicated to providing a world-class education and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Access Holdings Plc, with its extensive footprint spanning three continents, 20 countries, and serving over 60 million customers, remains committed to delivering sustainable economic growth while honoring the legacy of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR.
