Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe is a prominent Nigerian banker and entrepreneur, born on August 15, 1966, in Isiokpo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He tragically passed away on Friday 9, February 2024 in a helicopter crash together with his wife and their son.
He was the CEO of Access Holdings Plc, traded as Access Corporation, and has played a significant role in the Nigerian banking sector.
Wigwe had a strong educational background, holding a degree in accountancy from the University of Nigeria and further education in Banking and Financial Economics.
He has held various leadership positions, including Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank plc, one of Nigeria’s top five banking institutions.
Additionally, he was the Chairman of The Access Bank (UK) Ltd and has been involved in philanthropy through the Herbert Wigwe Foundation, which focuses on fostering education and healthcare.
Age, height and weight
Wigwe was born on August 15, 1966, and as of the current date, he is 57 years old.
Information about his height and weight is not readily available in the search results.
Ethnicity and nationality
Wigwe was a Nigerian national, born on August 15, 1966, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Information about his ethnicity is not available at the time of publishing this article.
Parents and siblings
Wigwe was born to parents of Ikwerre descent from Omueke Isiokpo in Rivers State. He had three sisters named Joyce, Peggy and Stella, and one brother named Emeka.
Wife and son
Wigwe tragically passed away in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, Chizoba and his son.
The crash occurred in the U.S., and there were no survivors among the six passengers on board.
The news of their deaths has shocked many, as Wigwe was a prominent figure in the Nigerian banking sector, known for his leadership and vision.
The search results do not provide detailed information about his wife and son beyond their tragic passing in the helicopter crash.
The focus of the reports is on the impact of the loss of Wigwe, his wife and his son, on the Nigerian banking industry and the wider community.
Career
Wigwe was the CEO of Access Holdings Plc, traded as Access Corporation, and played a significant role in the Nigerian banking industry.
He held a degree in accountancy from the University of Nigeria and a master’s degree in Banking and Finance.
Wigwe was involved in various leadership positions, including as the Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank plc, one of Nigeria’s top five banking institutions.
His roles extended beyond banking, serving as the Chairman of Access Bank Ghana Limited and a member of several prestigious boards.
Wigwe was recognized with numerous awards, including the African Banker of the Year in 2016, the BusinessDay CEO of the Year in 2017 and the Forbes Best of Africa Award in 2020.
Additionally, he was known for his philanthropic efforts and established the Herbert Wigwe Foundation, dedicated to providing scholarships, mentorship and empowerment opportunities to young Nigerians.
His vision was to create an institution that could compete globally while remaining distinctly African.
Wigwe’s sudden death in a helicopter crash, along with his wife and son, has deeply saddened many and is considered a significant loss to the Nigerian banking industry and the wider community.
Net worth
Wigwe’s net worth is estimated to be between $65.2 million and $680 million, positioning him as one of the wealthiest bankers in Africa.
He has amassed significant wealth through his ventures in banking and investment, solidifying his position among the elite ranks of Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals.
Cause of death
Wigwe was killed Friday along with his wife and son when a helicopter they were riding in crashed near Interstate 15 in Southern California’s Mojave Desert.
The three were among the six people on board when the aircraft went down shortly after 10 PM.
All six people were killed, including two pilots and Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chair of NGX Group, the Nigerian stock exchange.
The deaths of Wigwe, his family and Ogunbanjo were confirmed Saturday by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian finance minister who is now the director-general of the World Trade Organization.
Access Bank
Access Bank Plc. has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 26 years, evolving from an obscure Nigerian bank into a world-class African financial institution.
The bank’s journey to prominence is characterized by strategic growth, expansion, and a commitment to sustainable business practices.
Access Bank’s history is marked by significant milestones that have shaped its current status as one of the five largest banks in Nigeria in terms of assets, loans, deposits and branch network.
The bank’s success can be attributed to its robust long-term approach to client solutions, particularly in corporate banking, which has been a key area of strength and success for the institution.
The bank’s expansion and growth strategy have been evident in its pursuit of sustainable business practices, aiming to deliver profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant economic growth.
This approach has contributed to its positioning as a leading financial institution in Africa.
In 2002, Access Bank was issued a banking license, marking a significant step in its evolution.
Subsequently, the bank became a Public Limited Liability Company and embarked on a capital raising exercise in 2007, which was met with astounding success, recording an over-subscription of over 300%.
Access Bank’s commitment to expansion and diversification is further demonstrated by its operational subsidiaries in nine Sub-Saharan countries and one Western European country.
The bank’s acquisition and integration of other financial institutions, such as the merger with Diamond Bank in 2019, have contributed to its growth and increased its customer base, making it the largest bank in Nigeria by assets and customer base.
The bank’s international presence and influence are also evident in its acquisition and expansion efforts in countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Access Bank’s acquisition of Intercontinental Bank in Ghana in 2012 further solidified its position as one of the largest retail banks in Ghana.
Access Bank’s journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading African financial institution is a testament to its strategic vision, commitment to sustainable practices, and a focus on expansion and diversification.
The bank’s continued pursuit of growth and its impact on the African banking landscape position it as a significant player in the region’s financial sector.
FAQ
What was Herbert Wigwe known for?
Wigwe was a prominent Nigerian banker and entrepreneur, known for his leadership in the Nigerian banking sector and his significant contributions to the industry.
What was Herbert Wigwe’s net worth?
His net worth was estimated to be between $65.2 million and $680 million, positioning him as one of the wealthiest bankers in Africa.
What were Herbert Wigwe’s achievements?
Wigwe achieved success as the CEO of Access Holdings Plc and the Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank plc, one of Nigeria’s top five banking institutions.
He was also recognized with numerous awards, including the African Banker of the Year in 2016 and the Forbes Best of Africa Award in 2020.
What was the cause of Herbert Wigwe’s death?
Wigwe, along with his wife and son, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in the U.S.
What was Herbert Wigwe’s educational background?
He held a degree in accountancy from the University of Nigeria and a master’s degree in Banking and Finance.
What was the focus of Herbert Wigwe’s philanthropic efforts?
Wigwe was involved in philanthropy through the Herbert Wigwe Foundation, which focused on fostering education and healthcare.
What was Herbert Wigwe’s vision for the banking industry?
He aimed to create an institution that could compete globally while remaining distinctly African.
What was the impact of Herbert Wigwe’s death on the Nigerian banking industry?
Wigwe’s sudden death was considered a significant loss to the Nigerian banking industry and the wider community.
What were some of the public appearances or speeches made by Herbert Wigwe?
He made public appearances and speeches, including at a summit where his speech was described as brilliant and thought-provoking.