1. Herbert Wigwe Biography
2. Herbert Wigwe Family and Career.
Herbert Wigwe, a prominent Nigerian businessman and banker, has tragically passed away at the age of 57. As the CEO of Access Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s largest banks, Wigwe played a significant role in the country’s financial sector. His untimely death has left a void in the banking industry and has shocked the nation.
Born on August 15, 1966, in Isiokpo, Nigeria, Wigwe had a remarkable career that spanned over three decades. He was known for his towering height of 6 feet 2 inches and a weight of 82kg, which added to his charismatic presence. Wigwe was married to his beloved wife, Chizoba Wigwe, and together they raised four children.
On February 9, 2024, tragedy struck when Wigwe, along with five others, lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Nipton, California. They were on their way to the Super Bowl LVIII championship in Las Vegas, flying from Palm Springs Airport to Boulder City, Nevada. The charter flight, operated by Orbic Air, met a devastating end, claiming the lives of Wigwe, his wife, his son Chizi, former Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two crew members. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, leaving the nation mourning the loss of these influential individuals.
Wigwe’s family was the center of his world. Though information about his parents is unavailable, it is known that his father held a prestigious position as the head of the Nigerian Television Authority, while his mother had a successful career as a nurse. His deep-rooted family values and love for his wife and children were evident in the way he lived his life.
Education played a crucial role in Wigwe’s success. In 1990, he was awarded a British Council scholarship to pursue his studies at the University College of North Wales, where he obtained a Master of Arts in banking and finance. He furthered his education by completing an M.Sc. in financial economics at the University of London in 1996. Wigwe also attended the executive management program at Harvard Business School, further enhancing his knowledge and expertise. In recognition of his achievements, he was granted an honorary doctorate by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2018.
Wigwe’s career began as a management consultant at Coopers & Lybrand in the late 1980s. His dedication and hard work led him to become a chartered accountant by 1989. He later joined Guaranty Trust Bank, where he spent over a decade, rising to the position of executive director in 1998. In 2002, Wigwe and his business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede acquired Access Bank, a milestone in their professional journey. Despite initial challenges from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Access Bank flourished under Wigwe’s leadership, becoming the fourth-largest bank in Nigeria by 2017. He also served as the CEO and group managing director of Access Bank from January 2014 until his unfortunate demise.
Wigwe’s contributions extended beyond the banking industry. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Access Conference, a leadership series that brought together global leaders to address pressing issues. The conference, which debuted in 2013, featured renowned figures such as George W. Bush, Nicolas Sarkozy, and John Kufuor. Wigwe’s commitment to sustainable leadership and innovation was evident in the themes of the conferences he hosted.
With a net worth estimated at $65.2 million, Wigwe was a respected figure in the business world. His untimely death has left a void in the banking industry and the hearts of those who knew him. The nation mourns the loss of a visionary leader and a beloved family man. Herbert Wigwe’s legacy will be remembered for his contributions to the banking sector and his commitment to leadership and innovation..
1. Herbert Wigwe Bio, Dies at 57: A Look into His Family, Wife, and Career
2. Herbert Wigwe Net Worth and his Journey in the Business World.
