- Untold stories of their personal exploits
On February 9, Nigerians and the world at large woke up to the devastating news of a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, his son Chizi and former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Bimbo Ogunbanjo in Southern California, USA.
The incident sent jitters down the spines of many, especially family members and close associates of the astute banker.
Ironically, none of the nation’s army of seers, who are quick to make predictions at the beginning of every year, saw the calamity coming.
Like a thief in the night, death stole a march on the erstwhile boss of Access Holdings and the three others aforementioned, ignoring their class and clout.
But death had not the last laugh as the world gathered at various times to pay glowing tributes to the Fearless One. The last day of the funeral was the culmination of the global honour and applause for the deceased.
The tributes poured in torrents as eminent people gathered at different spots and times to pay their last respects in a manner that could have caused death to ask regretfully: “where is my sting after all?”
But while the four victims of the helicopter crash have been buried, only Herbert and his wife appeared to have much said about them. In newspapers, on television stations and other news media, the late Herbert Wigwe and his wife and were the focal point of public discussion for many days while Wigwe’s son Chizi and Ogunbanjo, a former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), were treated as footnotes.
Incidentally, both had many things in common. They were born with silver spoons but were never out to live in their parents’ shadows. They had their eyes fixed on their ambition and personal goals and relentlessly pursued them.
This many did not know about Chizi who on account of his father’s stupendous wealth they presumed must be one of the indolent spoilt brat sons of super-rich men in the habit of doing nothing more than paint the town red.
But Chizi was not one of such. He was a budding entrepreneur who was already building his own brands and businesses beyond the shores of Nigeria.
Born on January 10, 1995, it was clear from early age that he was destined for greatness. His intellect and insatiable thirst for knowledge set him apart from his peers.
His educational odyssey commenced at the prestigious Kings School, Canterbury, Kent England where he laid the foundation for his academic prowess. From primary school through to the ninth grade, Chizi excelled, showcasing a blend of determination and innate talent.
Seeking further horizon, Chizi ventured across the Atlantic to the United States where he enrolled at the esteemed Taft School. It was here he embarked on the final leg of his high school journey from tenth to twelfth grade, culminating in attaining his diploma through relentless dedication and rigorous academic pursuit.
Undeterred by the challenges of academia, Chizi’s thirst for knowledge only intensified as he set his eyes on higher education. With unwavering resolve, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering Technology and International Affairs at both Georgetown University and Stamford University, cementing his status as a scholar of remarkable versatility and depth.
In addition to his academic achievement, Chizi’s professional aspirations soared to a new height as he pursued the esteemed designation of Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA level 2 candidate. This pursuit reflected his unwavering commitment to excellence in the realm of finance and investment management, underscoring his dedication to mastering his craft and making a meaningful impact in the world of finance.
Throughout his education and professional endeavours, Chizi Wigwe remained the beacon of inspiration and resilience. His relentless pursuit of knowledge coupled with his commitment to excellence left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him.
Chizi’s academic accomplishment paved the way for a promising career. His professional journey began at the Queenberg Construction where he made significant strides as a junior consultant. His tenure, though brief, was marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Yet Chizi’ ambition drove him to explore new horizons. He transitioned to African Finance Corporation where he served as a junior investment professional. His work in finance was not just a job; it was a testament to his belief in Africa’s potential for economic growth and prosperity.
But Chizi was not just an employee. He was also an entrepreneur. Right from a young age, Chizi developed the passion for technology. This passion led him to found Zeepay, a start up in revolutionising indigenous payment across the African continent.
Through this venture, Chizi harnessed the power of artificial intelligence block chain technology seeking to bring financial services to the fingertips of every African.
Chizi’s professional path was defined by innovation, ambition, and a deep commitment to Africa’s development.
Beyond his professional pursuit, Chizi was a dedicated advocate and a loving family man. His advocacy work was profound, serving as ambassador for Global Citizen which campaigned against poverty, inequality and climate change.
Chizi’s voice also echoed on the international stage as he tirelessly campaigned for a better world. He also extended his passion for promoting African art, culture and history, serving on advisory board for African 1952.
On the home front, Chizi was the cherished son of Herbert and Chizoba Wigwe and a devoted brother to his siblings. Chizi was also a loving husband to his wife and his daughter who was born in 2023.
In respect to his faith, Chizi was a pillar of strength as he actively participated in the Redeemed Christian Church of God in California in the United States. Chizi’s life was a tapestry of service, dedication and love woven together to create a legacy that transcends time.
Chizi’s tragic demise was not just an end to life but an extinguishing of a bright light that illuminated many paths. Though his life was cut short, Chizi’s legacy endures.
Bimbo Ogunbanjo
Like Chizi, Bimbo Ogunbanjo was born into affluence. His father, Chief Christopher Oladipo Ogunbanjo, obtained a Law degree from University of London after which he was called to the bar.
He was easily described as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated corporate lawyers as he established a commercial law firm known as Chris Ogunbanjo and Co which served as a platform for many successful legal luminaries. He commanded respect, wielded influence and was humbly wealthy.
That was the kind of home that Bimbo Ogunbanjo was born into. He could have chosen to live off his father’s wealth like many of his peers but his focus was on how to surpass his father’s feat and achievement. He was out to discredit the age long Yoruba saying that after an elephant makes a trumpeting sound, the baby doesn’t. He eventually did and successfully so for that matter.
Demola Akinrele, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who grew up with Bimbo Ogunbanjo, beautifully captured in his tribute to the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, how Bimbo’s restlessness and prudence took him to the height he attained in life.
Digging into his first encounter with the Ogunbanjo family, he said: “I want to take you a little back in history to remember the 1970s, the years of prosperity and golden era of Nigeria. One man that seemed to symbolise that picture for many professionals was Chief Chris Ogunbanjo and my father, like most fathers who wished inspiration for their children sometimes see the need to take them to an uncle or a friend so that they understand what can be achieved.
“On a Saturday night on April 9, 1973, he carried the whole family and we went to Dan Fodio Road which was more like a country home in Lagos. I walked in and I saw the warmth of a man, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo of paternal nobility. Standing beside him was aunty Hilda, a lady of maternal dignity and hospitality.
“Everybody else there was so tall and I looked in the corner feeling a little bit out of balance. Then I saw a young boy who was more of my height but with the potential of course to exceed me, but then, he was still short. He came and pulled my hands and before I knew it, I was upstairs in his bedroom going through comics and Juggernauts, which was where he got one of his nicknames.
“Before I knew it I was down stairs at the swimming pool, and as we left the pool, the old men were playing tennis and we became ball boys. I saw this energy and warmth which became the bond between the two of us. And I think because of that energy and versatility, Chief Chris decided to chart a particular educational pattern for him.”
“Like his father who attended Igbobi College, Bimbo, according to Demola Akinrele, started first with Igbobi where “he acquired the ruggedness and I am sure many Igbobians are here. He (the father) saw the ruggedness was a bit too strong so he decided to take him to Summerset to get some smoothness.
“Then he took a very unusual decision and sent him to Switzerland to acquire European sophistication and suaveness and, of course, the ability to deal with the world. Because it was an American school, he also acquired American audacity.
“You can see in those strains the foundation of what made Bimbo Ogunbajo a very versatile and a very open minded individual.”
Armed with that quality, Demola Akinrele, Bimbo Ogunbanjo and their other colleagues travelled to London in the 80s.
Committed as they were to their studies, they also took time off to admire the works of God in the opposite gender.
“We all had our diverse occupations in terms of our studies, but we were all bonded by one pursuit – what I will describe as a pursuit of beauty.
“It was the battle ground to win the hearts of the finest women in London, and everyone was very active. But Bimbo, you could not really see visibly where his endeavour was. All you heard was that a woman of beauty and height had had her heart infiltrated, and through the grapevine you knew that Bimbo had been around.
“I tried to analyse what was his psychology and I figured it out he was a man that was very partial with beauty but was very afraid about the appearance of beauty.
“One of the greatest troubles you had at that age was failing your exams or having your heart pierced. He was very risk averse that he ensured that moved very consciously.
“When we left London and came back to Lagos for the pursuit of matrimony, that philosophy abided.
“All of a sudden he was spending an inordinate time in the house of the most genial and kind Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland. We thought it was because of the relationship with Femi but rumours were abound that the younger, elegant and charming daughter of the Ogbeni Oja had distracted him to the point of almost madness that he didn’t know where he was going.
“We didn’t exactly know what was exactly going on until of course the whole thing was pregnant with mystery as you can imagine. But the womb of time often reveals the truth.
“Before we knew it, announcements were made that the two noble families of Ijebu were going to be joined in matrimony, and this is where I come in.
“I got a phone call from Bimbo: ‘I want you to be my best man’. Best man? I said okay. The best man is an advocate of the groom. He is also a witness.
“But there was a sub-plot by Bimbo and Titi to set me up, or to match me up to the chief bridesmaid who was the first cousin of the bride, Tolu Oshindero, as she was then known.
“But of course, as an ageing bachelor, I was conscious of my malady. I knew that the time was up. So, unknown to them I had made my overtures in advance. Whilst they were plotting, there was also a sub plot by myself.”
Talking about the next phase, Demola Akinrele said: “We came back to Nigeria and the business of living has to start. There’s a wife and two beautiful children. We sat down together and I pursued the path of being an advocate.
“He was a solicitor but he was restless. To understand Bimbo’s trajectory, you have to understand his character.
“On one of those evenings when the old men were talking about their children, Chief Ogunbanjo said ‘Abimbola, when exam was coming we had fears about whether you had read, but you passed. Another exam will come, we would be afraid again and you will pass.’
“You underestimate Bimbo at your peril. He’s a man who I describe as carrying muscles of intuition and he had this faculty of connecting the chains of opportunity.
“He saw it very clearly and he took his opportunities and that is Bimbola Ogunbanjo for you.”
Continuing, he said: “If you are talking to him and he agrees with you, he will say, hmmm! When he disagrees, his eyes will roll. He says hmmm and his head is tilting backwards.
“Then he would explode into an objection with drama and Yoruba proverbs and then you will know exactly the position which he is taking.
“Now, from the trajectory of where he was as a lawyer to being a corporate board member, to being the chairman, a council member and ultimately the president of the stock exchange was the effect of his prudence.
“He saw as an objective that the object of life was to have an object that was clearly attainable in space, within a limited time, maximum result and proportionate and relevant efforts, not over effort. He targeted what he wanted to do and he achieved it.
“When he arrived at that, you saw him at the very zenith of his professional career. It was a beautiful thing to see you saw his whole six foot presence which was a vessel that carried a lot of wisdom and lots of learning.
“If you pointed him out that this was the President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, we were proud in his several suits that reflected his English education, his snow white hair and his white beard that reminded me of the European aristocrat.
“The audacity where he could go with good ideas reminded you of his American education and the ruggedness by which he could deal with anyone.”
