President Bola Tinubu, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani Kayode, Labour Party 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi and other prominent Nigerians have reacted to the shocking news of late Herbert Wigwe.
Wigwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, along with his wife and two children, lost their lives in a helicopter crash in California, USA.
The chopper was en route to Las Vegas when it crashed near the Nevada-California border on Friday night.
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Reacting to the shocking news, prominent Nigerians took to social media to mourn the death of the business tycoon.
Below are some reactions;
Tinubu
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Tinubu mourned the exceptional Nigerian business leader and described his passing as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”
The President condoled with the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by this harrowing incident.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed and asked God Almighty to comfort the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonizing moment.
Obaseki
In his condolence message, Edo State Governor, Obaseki described the news of the crash as devastating.
In a statement released last night, the governor said the news of Wigwe’s death left him 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.”
Keyamo
On his part, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Keyamo, said the death of Wigwe and Ogunbanjo has created a void not only in the corporate world but also in the hearts of those who knew them.
The minister, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood lamented that the world just bid a painful farewell to Wigwe, his beloved wife, child, and business partner, Ogunbanjo.
According to the statement, their journey left behind a void felt not only in the corporate world but also in the hearts of those who knew them.
According to the minister, Wigwe’s untimely demise occurred during a crucial juncture, as he sought to revolutionise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
Orji Kalu
On his part, Senator Kalu, who is the Chairman of Senate Committee on Privatisation, lamented the demise of the renowned banker.
He condoled with the Board, Management, staff and stakeholders of Access Holdings.
The former governor of Abia State, who described the death of the Access Holding helmsman as a great loss to the country, also described the late banker as a thoroughbred professional with a proven track record in the financial sector.
In a condolence message, the business mogul prayed to God to grant the Wigwe family the fortitude to bear the sad losses.
Peter Obi
“This loss is profoundly felt across the nation. I first met Herbert during his early days, on the brink of starting his marital journey. I vividly remember assisting him in preparing for his traditional wedding and being there for the ceremony with his wife, Chizoba, from Achina, Anambra State,” he recalled in a post on X.
“Since then, I’ve maintained a connection to his endeavors in my own modest ways. Herbert, a determined and forward-thinking individual, led Access Bank to new heights following his brother Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
“His noteworthy contributions extended beyond the professional realm, with commendable philanthropic efforts in health and education, exemplified by the establishment of Wigwe University, showcasing his deep commitment to education as a driver of development.
“The loss of such an exceptional individual reminds us of life’s fleeting nature, encouraging us to live with a purpose that contributes to the betterment of humanity. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Herbert, his beloved wife, and his son,” he added.
FFK
“We had an appointment for last Thursday. ‘Osita, I will fly into Abuja with the VC on Thursday; after our meeting, I will leave for the US,’ I said. ‘Herbert, wetin they pursue you, you travel a lot these days, biko take me along.’ He laughed and said, ‘Osita, you can’t keep up with my pace. Just enjoy your peace,’” He wrote on X.
“We laughed and said goodbyes. It was the last goodbye. He couldn’t make it on Thursday.
“Since I left public office, he has been a strong supporter and friend. His wife Chizoba was at my wedding 22 years ago.
“His son looked up to me as his parents literally handed him over to me for mentorship.
“I am alone in the dark, wondering, is that it? Should we remain fearless? Somebody should tell me something.”
