President Bola Tinubu has again paid a glowing tribute to the former iconic banker and former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, the late Mr Herbert Wigwe, saying Nigeria has lost “a shining star”.
Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba; his son Chizi, and a former President of the National Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Abimbola Ogunbanjo died in an air crash exactly one year ago in the United States.
Tinubu, who spoke on Sunday during the One-year Remembrance Service for Wigwe at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, said the late banker built institutions and touched many lives irrespective of religious and political affiliations.
It is instructive to note that the one year remembrance featured family members, corporate friends, partners, and high-profile personalities from different walks of life.
Tinubu, who was represented at the solemn event by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said, “Wigwe was more than a banker. He was a builder – of institutions, of dreams and people.”
The President further disclosed that through several projects, Wigwe was a major contributor to youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and philanthropy among others.
Reading the President’s tribute, Edun said, “But even in our grief, we find solace in the enduring legacy of his work, his values, and the institutions he built. His story is one that reminds us that vision, hard work, and service to humanity are measures of true greatness.”
Tinubu also extended his condolences to the Wigwe family; Access Holdings, friends, and loved ones the former banker left behind.
The President said, “Nigeria has lost a shining star, but the light Wigwe lighted in our nation will never be dimmed.”
Obasanjo praises Wigwe, says his legacy endures
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, though absent at the event, also paid a tribute to the former banker.
Obasanjo said Wigwe’s death has “left an indelible void in our hearts and our nation’s financial landscape”.
According to Obasanjo, though Wigwe is no longer alive, he believes “his legacy endures”.
Obasanjo’s tribute reads in part, “Whenever I come across Access Bank today, memories of Herbert Wigwe come flooding.
Despite Wigwe’s status as one of the leading financial giants globally, he remained collegial, accessible, and deeply committed to nurturing relationships.
“He understood that true leadership isn’t just about building institutions but about building people.”
‘A friend of France’
Tribute also poured in from foreign country as the French President, Emmanuel Macron, eulogised the late Herbert Wigwe.
Speaking through the Consul General of France in Lagos (Nigeria), Laurent Favier, Macron said, “As we commemorate the first anniversary of his sudden death today, the government of France salutes an exceptional entrepreneur, a friend of the arts, a man who served his country and the public interest; a friend of France.”
The French President added that the late Wigwe featured prominently in strengthening Nigeria’s ties with France during his time as the President of the France-Nigeria Business Council between 2023 and 2024.
Macron said, “The best tribute we can pay to him is indeed to keep his legacy alive,” he said at the solemn event.
‘His presence was larger than life,’ says Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has paid glowing tribute to the late banker, Herbert Wigwe, describing him as a man whose presence was larger than life.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said, “A year ago, the world as we knew it, changed forever. In an instant, we lost a man whose presence was larger than life.
“The pain of their passing lingers like an open wound that time has not been able to heal.”
Recalling Wigwe’s contribution to the development of the country and Lagos State, Saneo-Olu said he still “struggles to speak of Herbert in the past”.
He said, “He truly believed in Nigeria, he believed in Africa.
“He, especially believed in our work here in Lagos State. Herbert travelled the world with us, helping my government to mobilise partners and funding.
“Lagos State has felt his absence very strongly in the last one year and people in this room know truly what I am talking about. There are projects that would no doubt have moved faster today. Of course, Herbert being around would have pushed them forward.”
Sanwo-Olu recounted Wigwe’s contributions to Lagos State, ranging from his support during the COVID-19 pandemic, banking sector, arts and culture, and a host of other efforts.
In a sober mood, Sanwo-Olu told the audience that, “H.O.W made my work as a governor a little easier for me. He was always looking for ways to be impactful. Nothing gave him as much joy and satisfaction than executing projects. But I believe Wigwe’s “greatest legacy lives in his children – Tochi, David, Hanna, and Okachi”.
