The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Herbert Wigwe, the Managing Director of Access Holdings Group, describing it as a profound loss to the state and the nation.
Speaking at the First Year Memorial Service in honor of Wigwe, his wife Doreen, and their son Chizi on Sunday, the governor highlighted Wigwe’s steadfast support for his administration’s development initiatives since it began in 2019. The memorial service, organized by Access Holdings, took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, and was attended by prominent figures, including President Emmanuel Macron of France, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governors Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, and a host of public office holders, business tycoons, and banking professionals.
In a statement released by Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that the state has strongly felt Wigwe’s absence since his tragic passing. Wigwe, along with his family, died in a helicopter crash in the Mojave Desert near the California-Nevada border on February 9, 2024.
Sanwo-Olu noted that several state projects, which would have progressed faster if Wigwe were alive, bear his mark. He reflected on how the late banker, who was deeply involved in advancing Lagos’s development, had a lasting impact on the state’s growth, saying, “Across the states, there are projects with Herbert Wigwe’s footprint.”
The Governor lauded Wigwe as a visionary leader who transformed ideas into reality and was deeply committed to building businesses, institutions, and people. “He lived perpetually in the present and the future. He believed in actions, not just words. I saw him transform vision into reality. When others hesitated, he moved. When others saw obstacles, he saw opportunities. He truly believed in Nigeria and Africa,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, also paid tribute to the late banker. Tinubu described Wigwe as not only a distinguished businessman but a builder of dreams and institutions. “Herbert embodied vision, excellence, and generosity. He was deeply committed to uplifting society. His impact was felt in the lives he touched, opportunities he created, and hopes he inspired,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron praised Wigwe for his significant contributions to the Nigeria-France relationship, particularly as Chairman of the Nigeria-France Business Council, where he strengthened bilateral ties. “He made significant contributions as an exceptional entrepreneur and a friend of France,” Macron said.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also lauded Wigwe’s resilience and commitment to partnership. “Despite his success, he remained accessible and committed to nurturing relationships. He understood that true leadership involves building both institutions and people. His legacy is a testament to what Africans can achieve through vision, determination, and collaboration,” Obasanjo added.
Herbert Wigwe’s legacy of leadership, entrepreneurship, and commitment to societal progress continues to inspire many, leaving a lasting imprint on both the banking sector and national development.
