Former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, described the ex-Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, who died last week along with his wife Chizoba and son Chizi in a helicopter crash, as a man who did great things quietly.
Osinbajo, in a condolence message via a Facebook post on Saturday, reminisced on an afternoon spent with Wigwe, the founder of Wigwe University, at his home on February 1.
“He shared the Wigwe University Vision, collaborations with Ivy League universities, immediate research objectives, the scholarship scheme for bright students unable to pay fees, and how the infrastructure around the university—especially the roads and power plant—would benefit the entire community.
“He also discussed various initiatives for giving young people across the country opportunities to excel, particularly in sustainability and climate action ideas,” Osinbajo recalled.
According to the ex-vice president, Wigwe understood that service to man is service to God.
“In Herbert’s typical style—thoughtful, progressive, compassionate—he quietly did great things,” Osinbajo said.
“As is the way of mortals, he leaves much undone, but the seed that keeps the forests growing has been planted. All his legacies will grow, and his dreams will become reality,” Osinbajo added.
Access Holdings Plc confirmed his death along with his wife and son in a helicopter accident in the United States on February 11.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi.
The statement said, “It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) announces the passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’).
“Dr. Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.”
