Eminent Nigerians and global leaders gathered on Sunday evening to pay tribute to banking icon Herbert Wigwe, marking the first anniversary of his passing in a helicopter accident in Southern California on February 9, 2024. Wigwe, along with his wife Doreen, son Chizi, and friend Abimbola Ogunbanjo, was remembered in a moving four-hour memorial service held at the ballroom of Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
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| L-R: Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank PLC; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor, Lagos State; Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings Plc, his wife Ofovwe; Tochi Wigwe; Hannah Wigwe, daughters of late Herbert Wigwe; David Wigwe, son, during the first year Memorial of late Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, and son Chizi, held in Lagos...Sunday |
The evening featured prayers, musical performances, and a powerful ministration by Pastor Itua Ighodalo. A keynote lecture was delivered by Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, while tributes poured in from distinguished personalities, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, President Bola Tinubu, and President Emmanuel Macron of France.
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE IN BANKING AND BEYOND
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Wigwe as a quintessential banker and visionary leader whose contributions transformed Nigeria’s banking landscape. Reflecting on their numerous engagements and travels, Obasanjo noted how Wigwe grew Access Bank from a small lender in 2002 into a global financial powerhouse. His tribute was read by Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Chief Executive of Access Holdings.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Finance Minister Olawale Edun, praised Wigwe’s pioneering legacy in business and finance, emphasizing his commitment to education through the founding of Wigwe University.
President Emmanuel Macron of France paid tribute to Wigwe’s exceptional leadership in business diplomacy, recalling his role as President of the French-Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) in strengthening bilateral relations. Macron’s message was delivered by a senior diplomat from the French Embassy in Abuja.
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| L-R: Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings Plc, his wife Ofovwe; Tochi Wigwe; Hannah Wigwe, daughters of late Herbert Wigwe; David Wigwe, son, during the first year Memorial of late Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, and son Chizi, held in Lagos...Sunday |
A VISION FOR AFRICA’S FINANCIAL FUTURE
Delivering a stirring keynote lecture, Prime Minister Mia Mottley spoke on the challenges of correspondent banking relationships (CBRs), particularly in the Caribbean’s post-2009 financial crisis era. She announced that Access Bank will soon commence banking operations in Barbados following regulatory approvals, a move seen as an extension of Wigwe’s financial vision.
In a lighter moment, Mottley recalled the historical exile of King Jaja of Opobo to Barbados by British colonialists in the 17th century. Turning to Tochi Wigwe, Herbert’s eldest daughter, she remarked warmly, "You will soon come to Barbados, but not as an exile," drawing laughter from the audience.
A LASTING IMPACT ON LAGOS AND BEYOND
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Wigwe as a larger-than-life personality, a builder of people, ideas, and fortune. “Where others hesitated, Herbert moved. Lagos has felt his absence, but his legacies endure,” he said, highlighting his contributions to the National Arts Theatre renovation, Access Bank Lagos Marathon, and the fight against COVID-19.
A BOND BEYOND BUSINESS
A poignant moment of the evening was the tribute from Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Wigwe’s longtime business partner and friend. He spoke about the deep trust that defined their partnership, stating, “I was never, for once, afraid that Herbert was in the room closing deals without me.” His words drew prolonged applause, but the emotion deepened when he turned to Wigwe’s children:
"Tochi, Hannah, David, Okachi—you are mine, just as my children were your dad’s when he was with us."
His moving declaration left many in the audience in tears.
A NIGHT OF TRIBUTES AND RECOGNITION
The evening also saw heartfelt messages from Herbert Wigwe’s family and close friends, including: David Wigwe (Herbert’s son), Uche Wigwe (Herbert’s cousin & trustee of Wigwe University), Roosevelt Ogbonna (CEO, Access Bank Plc) and Ambassador Idaere Gogo-Ogan (Herbert’s close friend).
Friends of Chizi Wigwe, including Rasheed Sarumi and Tunde Ogundare, shared emotional memories, while Linda Petinrin and Queenette Allagoa remembered him in moving tributes.
DIGNITARIES IN ATTENDANCE
The memorial service drew an elite gathering of business and political leaders, including: Prince Nduka Obaigbena – Chairman, THISDAY Arise Media Group, Paul Usoro, SAN – Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II, Prof. Benedict Oramah – President, Afrexim Bank, Fola Adeola – Former CEO, GTBank, Ben Akabueze – Former DG, Budget Office of the Federation, Executives and staff of Access Bank Group among other dignitaries.
In a post-memorial dinner, Prince Obaigbena formally presented the THISDAY Lifetime Achievement Award for Herbert Wigwe to Tochi Wigwe, a fitting tribute to a man whose impact will be felt for generations.
HONORING A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON
The Herbert Wigwe First-Year Memorial was more than a gathering of dignitaries—it was a testament to a life of vision, impact, and leadership. As the evening ended, one thing was clear: Herbert Wigwe’s legacy is not just being remembered—it is being carried forward.
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