- No specific information on helicopter crash, says Access Holdings
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun and his Edo State counterpart, Godwin Obaseki, have described as tragic the death of the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe in a helicopter crash in the United States of America.
Wigwe, his wife, son, and three others, including Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chairman of NGX Group Plc, died when their helicopter crashed near the border of California and Nevada on Friday night.
Governor Abiodun described the incident as a devastating loss for the families, friends, and the entire business community in Nigeria.
The governor described Wigwe as a quintessential banker who contributed immensely to the Nigerian economy, adding that he was a pillar of support to his administration’s ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda.
According to him, Wigwe’s death has created a void that will be difficult to fill.
He condoled with the families of the deceased, the management and staff of Access Holdings, the business communities, and the Rivers State government on the tragic incident.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe and five others. My thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time.
“Herbert Wigwe was not only a respected business leader but also a role model for many aspiring entrepreneurs. His contributions to the banking sector and the Nigerian economy will always be remembered.”
For the Edo State Governor, “the news of the passing of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 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.”
Obaseki said 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,” Obaseki added.
Meanwhile, Access Holdings Plc has said that it lacks specific information on the helicopter crash in the United States involving its Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe.
It, however, said it was collaborating with the US authorities who it said would provide updates on the matter.
The firm made its position known in a post tagged “Important announcement” on its official Instagram handle, @myaccessbank.
In its reaction to the development, however, Access Bank did not mention Wigwe’s name in the message posted on its social media handle.
The statement read, “We have received numerous inquiries concerning an airplane crash in the USA.
“Presently, we lack specific information; however, we are actively collaborating with US authorities who will furnish updates.
“Your understanding and support are valued, and we commit to keeping you informed promptly as we
receive updates on the situation.”
In confirming the crash earlier, the US Federal Aviation Administration did not disclose the identities of the six people said to be onboard
The message on its website read, “A Eurocopter EC 130 helicopter crashed near Nipton, California, around 10 pm local time on Friday, February 9. Six people were on board.”
