Prominent Bank CEO: Helicopter Crash Claims Life
Herbert Wigwe
Nigeria is in mourning following the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, the CEO of Access Bank, who lost his life in a helicopter crash in Southern California’s Mojave Desert. Alongside Wigwe, five others, including his wife and son, perished in the accident near Interstate 15. The victims also included Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chair of NGX Group, adding to the profound loss.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as “shocking beyond comprehension.” Herbert Wigwe, aged 57, was a highly respected industry leader, having played pivotal roles in major Nigerian banks, including Guaranty Trust Bank, where he served as an executive director. As the CEO of Access Bank, Wigwe contributed significantly to the bank’s expansion into multiple African countries, solidifying its position as a global financial powerhouse.
Wigwe’s legacy is characterized by his passion, energy, and unwavering commitment to excellence, transforming Access Bank into a prominent player on the global stage. His sudden demise is considered a significant setback for Nigeria and Africa’s banking sector, leaving a void in his vision to make Access Holdings the largest in Africa. Beyond his banking contributions, Wigwe was also actively involved in the education sector, with plans to establish a private university in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
The helicopter involved in the crash was an Airbus EC-130, which went down south of I-15 near Halloran Springs Road, northeast of Barstow, California. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting an investigation, and a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, with a full investigation potentially taking up to two years. The crash site is near the California-Nevada border, and witnesses reported adverse weather conditions at the time of the incident.
As CEO of Access Bank, he contributed to the bank’s growth beyond borders in several African countries.
