By Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-02-12 12:38:55
The entire world was devastated by the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Nigerian banking magnate Herbert Wigwe, founder and group CEO of Access Bank, and former Nigeria stock exchange chairman Abimbola Ogunbanj, along with Wigwe’s wife and son. Six people in total died in the accident, which occurred as they were en route to the Super Bowl NFL game in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The tributes for the victims poured in, with Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu leading the way. He expressed his deep shock and distress over the passing of these distinguished individuals, acknowledging the overwhelming tragedy of their deaths.
Herbert Wigwe, who founded Access Bank in 1989, led the company to become the largest bank in Nigeria after acquiring its main competitor, Diamond Bank, in 2018. His business acumen and leadership earned him recognition in the banking industry, and he was awarded African Banker’s African Banker of the Year award for two consecutive years, in 2020 and 2021.
In an interview with New African magazine, Wigwe shared his ambition to expand Access Bank’s presence across the African continent, with plans to establish subsidiaries in 22 countries within the next five years. His visionary goals positioned Access Bank as a leading retail bank with over 40 million customers.
The news of Wigwe’s passing also prompted tributes from Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, who described him as a visionary and brilliant banker.
Abimbola Ogunbanjo, a respected figure in Nigeria’s corporate legal and capital market industries, served as the president of the National Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the first group chairman of the NGX Group following the demutualization of the exchange. His strategic acumen and dedication were pivotal in shaping NGX Group’s transformative journey.
The NGX Group, where Ogunbanjo was deeply respected, mourned his untimely departure and that of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife and son. Their contributions to the financial markets and the overall private sector were deeply valued and will be remembered.
The tragic deaths of these leaders left a void in the Nigerian financial community and beyond, and their legacies will continue to inspire others. The chairman and group managing director also expressed their commitment to preserving their legacy by upholding the principles of leadership, innovation, and dedication that Wigwe and Ogunbanjo exemplified.
The world lost two remarkable leaders in the tragic helicopter accident, but their contributions to the financial and banking industries in Nigeria will leave an enduring impact. Their vision and dedication will continue to inspire future generations of leaders in the African financial sector.
