The Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal, and his Kaduna State counterpart, Uba Sani, have mourned the death of the chief executive officer of Access Holdings plc, Herbert Wigwe.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that Mr Wigwe died along with his wife and son in a helicopter crash in California, United States of America.
In a statement issued by Mr Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, on Sunday, the governor expressed grief over the deaths.
According to him, Mr Wigwe’s death was a significant loss not only to his family and friends but also to the business community in the country and the entire continent of Africa.
“In late Wigwe, I lost a friend who had made immense contributions to the banking industry in Nigeria.
“Late Herbert Wigwe had left an indelible mark on the banking industry in Nigeria through his tireless work and dedication.
“His contributions were significant and far-reaching, impacting his immediate professional circle and the wider business community.
“I have had a personal relationship with the late Wigwe since my days in the banking sector.
“May the family, friends, and associates of Wigwe be granted the fortitude to bear this significant loss. He will always be remembered.
Similarly, Mr Sani, in a statement he personally signed, said Nigeria has lost one of its most innovative and creative entrepreneurs.
“I received with shock and deep sense of loss the news of the passing on of the Chairman/CEO of Access Corporation (one of Kaduna State’s development partners), Mr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR.
“Nigeria has lost one of its most innovative and creative entrepreneurs. He not only led Access Bank to become a global brand, he developed Access Corporation into a veritable vehicle for addressing developmental challenges. He established Wigwe University to equip Nigerian youths with the skills of competing in a complex and fast-changing world. Herbert Wigwe’s worthy legacies will surely endure.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kaduna State, I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the Wigwe family, his relations, friends, business associates, members of Corporate Nigeria, and all Nigerians on the demise of this globally acclaimed banker and entrepreneur. May Herbert Wigwe’s soul rest in perfect peace,” Mr Sani said.
