Herbert Wigwe, the CEO of Access Bank PLC has reportedly passed on today. He was said to have died alongside 5 others whom part of them were hinted to be his wife and 2 kids.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 15, 1966, in Lagos State, Nigeria, Herbert Wigwe discovered his passion for finance at an early age. His journey began with a degree in accountancy from the University of Nigeria. Eager to expand his horizons, he pursued an MA in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor) and an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of London. Herbert’s thirst for knowledge led him to the prestigious Harvard Business School Executive Management Program.
The Rise of Access Bank
In 2002, Herbert Wigwe and his business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, made a pivotal decision. They acquired a small commercial bank, Access Bank, which was then the 65th largest among Nigeria’s 89 banks. Little did they know that this strategic move would transform Access Bank into one of Nigeria’s top five banks. Today, Access Bank boasts over 6.5 million account holders, with a network of 350 branches and 1,500 ATMs across Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the UK.
Herbert Wigwe’s Leadership
From January 2014 until his untimely demise in February 2024, Herbert Wigwe served as the CEO and Group Managing Director of Access Bank. His visionary leadership propelled the bank to global recognition. He addressed audiences worldwide, including Silicon Valley and the Financial Times summit in Mozambique. Additionally, he founded The HOW Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to positive social impact.
Net Worth and Achievements
Herbert Wigwe’s net worth reflects his immense contributions. While official figures remain undisclosed, estimates place it around $65.2 million. His accolades include being named Banker of The Year by prominent Nigerian newspapers, The Sun and Vanguard. As Chairman of Access Bank Ghana Limited and Access Bank (UK) Limited, Herbert’s influence extends beyond borders.
Herbert Wigwe Family
Herbert Wigwe is married to Chizoba Wigwe who died alongside Herbert and their son Chizzy in the ill-fated crash. Chizoba Wigwe is a lawyer and the mother of Herbert’s children. They had 4 children, with the first being a victim of the chopper crash.
Here are some few things to know about Herbert Wigwe’s family;
– Herbert Wigwe married his wife, Chizoba, just four months after meeting her during her National Youth Service Corps program in Nigeria. He said he was very comfortable with her and knew she was the one for him.
– Chizoba Wigwe was a lawyer and a businesswoman who ran a fashion and lifestyle company called Zoba Martin. She was also involved in several charitable causes, such as supporting women empowerment and education.
– Herbert and Chizoba had four children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah, and David. Chizi was their eldest son, who died with them in the helicopter crash. He was a student at Stanford University and an aspiring entrepreneur.
– Tochi, Hannah, and David are their surviving children, who are also pursuing their education and careers in various fields. Tochi is a medical student at Johns Hopkins University, Hannah is a fashion designer and model, and David is a software engineer at Google.
– Herbert Wigwe’s family was known for their generosity and philanthropy. They donated to various causes, such as health, education, sports, and arts. They also established the Herbert Wigwe Foundation, which aims to empower young Nigerians through mentorship, scholarships, and entrepreneurship.
They however have 3 surviving children.
Is Herbert Wigwe Dead?
Tragically, Herbert Wigwe passed away on February 10, 2024, in a helicopter crash. He was 57 years old. His legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of bankers and entrepreneurs.
Legacies
As part of the measures to sustain Herbert’s legacies, his friend and partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede has been appointed as the non-executive chairman for Access Holdings where he hopes to help actualize the dreams of Dr Herbert for the holding.