Herbert Wigwe’s Special Assistant, Faleye Olusola whose name was on the manifest of the ill-fated helicopter that killed the late bank chief and others, escaped death miraculously as he opted to travel by road.
It was learnt that Olusola flew with Wigwe, his wife, son and former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo from London, United Kingdom to Palm Springs, California, United States.
But on getting to Palm Springs, Olusola declined to board the ill-fated flight going to Boulder City in Nevada, insisting that he would not travel by helicopter at night due to the weather conditions.
- How I begged Wigwe to take me on his trips — Former Minister, Chidoka
- High Cost of Production: Table, sachet water producers to close shop
He was said to have stepped down from ill-fated Chopper to accompany the luggage by road
Confirming this in his tribute, Governor Alex Otti of Abia state, noted:
SAYING GOODBYE
Herbert why? Why? Why? You told me you were going for a board meeting in London from where you will head out to the US and return after a few days and immediately come to Abia to see me. So, what happened?
Since this news filtered out, I’ve not been able to put my head down. I spoke to Peggy who was broken but strong. I refused to believe. Many others confirmed but they were also reporting other people. Then comes this call minutes ago from Sola Faleye, my younger friend whom you “acquired” as you took over Diamond Bank. You had severally shared how one of the best things about the acquisition of Diamond Bank was Sola. He was with you everywhere you went but alas, Sola was unreachable all throughout yesterday. For some reason, he had to step down from that ill-fated Chopper to accompany the luggage by road. His name remains on the manifest! It is now clear that you are no more!
What do we tell Tochi and the little ones? Who will tell Mummy Stella and Daddy Shyngle who you celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary two years ago? How about those of us who have come to see you as part of life? Your dream Wigwe University which you told me was going to be the Harvard of Africa? Who will carry on with that dream? We had extensively talked about setting up a scholarship scheme to support brilliant but indigent students. Who will ensure that this dream is delivered?
This death is too big a blow to me personally and all those that knew you closely. You were not only my friend but my brother. Your constant encouragement and sometimes insistence have been very helpful in a lot of decisions one took. Even in the most difficult moment, you were always there to share ideas. You always came from very unpopular perspectives, disagreeing with conventional wisdom. Your can-do spirit was infectious! You would prove book makers wrong, even with your “Mergers and Acquisition” mindset.
I remember taking you up about 15 years ago, quoting a research-based position that over 70% of mergers and acquisition destroy shareholder value. Your response was that Access Bank was in the 30% category!
A few years ago, when a group of friends and I were working on a banking license, you drove to my house unannounced and insisted, “Alex, I’m glad you are working on a new bank, but I came to tell you that you should not run the bank. You have finished with banking; we need you in Abia and Abia needs you. We must get some of us that have the courage to go into public office, and you must remain there!” Since then, you have been consistent in your support.
This is one of the saddest moments in my life. To worsen the situation, Chizoba and Chizzy who hardly fly with you were in that chopper. I’m still trying to make sense of the whole situation. I wish someone would wake me up and reassure me that this was a bad dream! But alas it is real.
Good night my own brother Herbert!
Good night, Chizoba!
Good night, Chizzy!
It is well with your souls.
Dr. Alex Otti, OFR.
Wigwe who was the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, died late Friday in a copter crash alongside his wife and son as well as Ogunbanjo. Two crew members also lost their lives in the ill-fated crash.
A consummate banker noted for his fearlessness and ingenuity, Herbert Wigwe was a visionary, and progressive business leader, a philanthropist, and an undisputed leader in the economic and social transformation of Nigeria and Africa.
Acclaimed as one of Africa’s foremost corporate bankers, Herbert was the co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings and was credited for nurturing Access Bank into the international powerhouse.
He hailed from Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.
He was married to Chizoba Wigwe (née Nwuba) and had four children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah and David.
Observers said Wigwe’s latest posts on social media gave the impression he had a premonition of his passing away. For instance, in a January 19, 2024 post on X (formerly Twitter), Wigwe admonished his followers and members of the public to appreciate life, saying ‘Let us number our days.’
He wrote: “Today and always, let us remember that life is a precious gift – a chance to breathe, feel, love, experience and connect.
“Let’s honour this gift by living with purpose, kindness, and gratitude, making every moment count. Let us number our days.”
