This week, distinguished corporate professionals and political figures in Nigeria gathered to commemorate and honour the legacy of the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Corporation Plc, Herbert Wigwe.
The event which held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, attracted dignitaries from the public and private sectors.
Wigwe’s funeral programme started on March 4.
The deceased will be laid to rest on March 9 in his hometown in Isiokpo, Rivers state.
Notable attendees include Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, governors of Lagos and Ogun states, the Central Bank of Nigeria governor, and various bank chief executives, all of whom delivered heartfelt speeches.
Aliko Dangote
The emotional highlight of many of the tributes was Aliko Dangote’s solemn message. Dangote who was visibly moved and holding back tears, shared touching anecdotes about his close ties with Herbert Wigwe.
Dangote referred to Wigwe as a devoted friend, mentee, and supporter, expressing profound gratitude for the warmth of their friendship.
He reminisced about Wigwe’s transformative impact on the banking sector, breaking records and reshaping the industry.
The emotional tribute highlighted Wigwe’s philanthropic endeavours, emphasising the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
In a momentous announcement, Dangote unveiled plans to immortalize Herbert Wigwe by naming the road leading to the Dangote Refinery as the “Herbert Wigwe Road.”
“To immortalise my beloved friend, my brother, and my mentee, I have actually decided to name our major refinery and petrochemical road.
“Out of the 120 kilometres, the biggest road will now be named Herbert Wigwe,” he said.
Muhammadu Sanusi II
A former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, broke down in tears while paying tribute to former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe.
“I was thinking I would die and leave Herbert. We have all heard about him, about his loyalty,” he said in an emotionally laden voice.
He recalled how the late banker stood by his side all through his travails after being removed as Emir of Kano by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
According to Sanusi, Herbert assured him of his unflinching support and loyalty.
“He said to me, ‘Your Highness, don’t worry. Whatever happens, don’t worry. We are here for you.’ On the day I heard on the radio that I was dethroned, I called him and said I wanted to come to Lagos.
“The announcement was made about 9 am, by noon Herbert had a plane at the tarmac in Kano. The plan then was to take me into exile for many years. I put my family on that plane and sent them to Lagos, with no phone calls. Herbert received them and put them in a hotel.
“Later, he got them accommodation. For months, when I came, they stayed there. Your Highness, if you want to travel, just call Shola.”
He also narrated how they helped resolve a serious challenge in the banking sector at the time.
“The objective then was to link the banking sector assets to the real economy and Aig and Herbert in Access Bank were chosen as the chairpersons on the subcommittee on economic development. Most of what I achieved in the Central Bank would not have been possible without them.”
“About two years ago, I put all my savings in a trust for the education of my children because I have many. My priority as a father is to make sure that when I pass away, they will have a good education.
“Paul was a solicitor put in that trust, Herbert was the lead protector. Paul will remember when we had the first formal meeting, I said, ‘Herbert I am placing you in charge of this trust for the education of my children because I know that even if I died and did not leave any money, you will educate our children,” he said.
Tochi Wigwe
Tochi, the daughter of late Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe was emotional. She broke down in tears while rendering a tribute to her dad.
Tochi eulogised Wigwe as a committed and doting father, who was an “unwavering anchor for family and friends”.
She said: “In this moment, for the first time, your words resonate deeply within me. No longer do I want to tilt my head and squint my eyes in confusion. You were simply extraordinary.
“You urged me to reach new heights I never even imagined. Whenever doubt clouded my mind, you would chuckle knowingly and say, ‘You really just don’t know whose child you are, you’ll soon find out.’ And once again, you were right: I’ve come to find out.
“I could never fathom how you managed to do it all; it seemed inconceivable. Turning everything you touched to gold while remaining an unwavering anchor for your family and friends.
“Distance meant absolutely nothing to you. You travelled continents on a whim just to see me for a couple of minutes before heading back to your responsibilities,” she continued.
“According to him, my mother Hannah and I were the most beautiful and my nickname was also ‘pretty.’
“Who will prompt me to flash a peace sign in every photo; who will engage in marathon debates with my friends and myself on flights to Cape Town; who will inquire ‘what are they saying about me online today?’ And who will ask me about my thoughts on Wigwe University?
“You were Paradox, a tower of strength with a heart as soft as silk. You can never raise your voice at me without calling me an hour later to apologise.”
