The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has mourned the Group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, who reportedly died in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, United States of America.
There are reports that Wigwe, his wife and his son were onboard the ill-fated helicopter.
Atiku in a social media post on Saturday night said he was saddened to hear the news.
He wrote, “In the words of one of Nigeria’s finest CEOs, Herbert Wigwe, ‘Today and always, let us remember that life is a precious gift – a chance to breathe, feel, love, experience and connect. Let’s honour this gift by living with purpose, kindness, and gratitude, making every moment count. Let us number our days.’
“I’m deeply saddened to hear about the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, and his family.
“Indeed, Herbert Wigwe, consummate banker, education promoter, and philanthropist, numbered his days. On behalf of my family, my heart goes out to their loved ones and everyone affected by this unfortunate incident. May their souls rest in peace.”
Also, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has expressed his condolences over Wigwe’s reported death.
Obaseki in a statement on Saturday, wtote, “The news of the passing of the Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash in the United States of America has left me extremely shocked and devastated.
“We also unfortunately lost Wigwe’s wife and son as well as the former group chairman of Nigeria Stock Exchange, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in the crash.
“The tragic incident is painful and heart-wrenching and we pray for God’s abiding comfort in this profoundly difficult time.
“Wigwe was a colossus in Nigeria’s financial sector, leading Access Bank to become an international brand that placed Nigeria on the global map of first class financial services.
“I commiserate with the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Holding, the Nigeria Stock Exchange, friends and associates and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he added.
Also, Nigerian Artiste, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, in a post on his X handle wrote, “I pray for strength and comfort for the Wigwe family.”
