President Tinubu, and other leaders express grief and shock over the tragic loss of Herbert Wigwe, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and their families.
A helicopter crash in the United States has claimed the lives of four prominent Nigerian business leaders and their family members, sparking an outpouring of condolences and tributes from across the country and beyond.
Herbert Wigwe, the group chief executive officer of Access Holdings Plc, a leading financial services provider in Africa, died along with his wife Doreen and son Chizi on Friday, February 9, in the state of California.
Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), the operator of the largest stock exchange in West Africa, also perished in the same accident.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the US authorities.
A legacy of excellence and philanthropy
Wigwe and Ogunbanjo were widely regarded as visionary and influential figures in the Nigerian business sector, with a track record of innovation, excellence, and philanthropy.
Wigwe joined Access Bank in 2002 as deputy managing director and became the GCEO in 2014, overseeing its transformation into one of the largest and most profitable banks in Africa, with operations in 12 countries and over 36 million customers.
He was also the founder of the HOW Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports education, health, and empowerment initiatives for young people in Nigeria.
Ogunbanjo served as the group chairman of NGX Group from 2017 to 2021, leading its demutualization and restructuring into a profit-oriented, shareholder-owned entity.
He was also a renowned lawyer and the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from 2006 to 2008.
Both men were recipients of several awards and honors, including the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
A national tragedy and a personal loss
The news of their deaths sent shockwaves across Nigeria, where they were widely admired and respected for their achievements and contributions to the nation’s development.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued by his spokesman, described their passing as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”
He commiserated with the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by the incident, and prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed.
He also hailed Wigwe and Ogunbanjo as “exceptional Nigerian business leaders who made remarkable impacts in their respective fields and beyond.”
Other prominent Nigerians, including state governors, former presidential candidates, industry associations, and civil society groups, also expressed their grief and sorrow over the loss of the business icons and their families.
Many of them took to social media platforms to share their memories and tributes, highlighting their personal and professional relationships with the deceased.
A source of inspiration and hope
Despite the tragic circumstances of their deaths, Wigwe and Ogunbanjo leave behind a legacy of inspiration and hope for millions of Nigerians, especially the young generation, who aspire to follow in their footsteps and achieve their dreams.
Their stories of success, despite the challenges and obstacles they faced, demonstrate the resilience, creativity, and excellence that Nigerians are capable of.
Their philanthropic efforts, especially in the areas of education and youth empowerment, also show their commitment and compassion for the less privileged and the future of the country.
As Nigeria mourns the loss of these great sons of the soil, their lives and works will continue to serve as a source of motivation and guidance for those who seek to make a positive difference in the world.
Source: Vanguard
