The co-founder and CEO of Access Bank Group, Herbert Wigwe, tragically lost his life alongside his wife and son in a devastating helicopter crash in California on February 9, 2024. Access Bank, Nigeria’s largest bank by assets, confirmed this heart-wrenching news, expressing profound grief over the untimely demise of Herbert, Doreen, and Chizi Wigwe.
The crash, which claimed the lives of two crew members and four passengers, including prominent figures like former Nigeria Stock Exchange president Abimbola Ogunbanjo, has sent shockwaves across the globe. Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the broader business community, describing the incident as an “overwhelming tragedy.”
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the helicopter, identified as a Eurocopter EC 130, crashed near Nipton, California, during a charter flight from Palm Springs to Boulder City, Nevada. The FAA has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this devastating accident.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, expressed profound sadness over the loss of Herbert Wigwe, his family, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo in the tragic crash. Access Bank, in a tribute to Wigwe, acknowledged his pivotal role in driving the bank’s transformation, describing him as a dynamic leader with an unparalleled passion for excellence.
US National Transportation Safety Board member Michael Graham provided preliminary details, stating that the helicopter crashed south of I-15 near Halloran Springs, California, approximately 90 minutes after departing from Palm Springs. The identities of the deceased were not immediately disclosed.
The sudden loss of Herbert Wigwe, a visionary leader and influential figure in the Nigerian banking sector, has left a void that will be deeply felt by colleagues, associates, and the broader community. As investigations continue into this tragic incident, the legacy of Herbert Wigwe and his contributions to Access Bank’s success will be remembered with reverence and admiration.
