‘Herbert made my work easier’ – Sanwo-Olu pays tribute at Wigwe’s first-year memorial

One year after the tragic passing of Herbert Wigwe, the former Group Managing Director of Access Holdings, leaders from Nigeria and beyond gathered to honor his legacy at a memorial service held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described Wigwe as a steadfast supporter of his administration’s development programs, noting that his absence has been deeply felt in the state.

“There are projects that would have been delivered faster if Herbert Wigwe were alive. Across the state, his footprints remain visible. Herbert made my work easier by mobilizing partners and funding for state projects,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.

The memorial, organized by Access Holdings, was attended by an array of dignitaries, including French President Emmanuel Macron, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, business leaders, and close associates.

Wigwe, his wife Doreen, and son Chizi lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the Mojave Desert, near the California-Nevada border, on February 9, 2024, alongside Bimbo Ogunbanjo, former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX).

In his tribute, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Wigwe as a visionary who not only built businesses but also nurtured people and ideas. “Herbert believed in actions, not just words. He saw opportunities where others saw obstacles and worked tirelessly to bring visions to life,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister Wale Edun, emphasized that Wigwe’s impact extended beyond banking. “He was more than just a banker; he was a builder of dreams and institutions,” Tinubu’s message read.

French President Emmanuel Macron praised Wigwe’s contributions as Chairman of the Nigeria-France Business Council, highlighting his role in strengthening business ties between the two nations.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo commended Wigwe’s resilience and commitment to partnership.

“Despite his success, he remained accessible and dedicated to nurturing relationships. His legacy is a testament to what Africans can achieve through vision and determination,” Obasanjo said.

As tributes poured in, speakers reflected on Wigwe’s impact on Nigeria’s economic and business landscape, with many emphasizing his enduring legacy of leadership, innovation, and philanthropy.