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Tag: Wigwe

  • Wigwe conquered all there was to conquer, says Shettima

    Wigwe conquered all there was to conquer, says Shettima

    • Fed Govt pays tribute to banker’s family     
    • Sanusi, Wigwe’s daughter weep

    The Federal Government yesterday paid glowing tribute to the late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe.

    The frontline banker died in a helicopter crash near Nipton, California, in the United States of America (U.S.A.) on February 9, 2024.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima led the national mourning during a funeral service for the banker in Lagos.

    He said the late Wigwe conquered all there was to conquer.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President described the late Wigwe as an early bloomer who transformed the Nigerian banking industry.

    The Vice President recalled the late banker’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to his community.

    In a eulogy delivered before a huge crowd of mourners at the funeral service, Shettima said: “Herbert left us in winter before the season of bloom. Spring was just about to arrive at his last location in the United States when the Lord called for him.

    “Spring is not the symbol of Herbert’s bloom; his journey was defined by peculiar seasons. He bloomed long before his co-travellers.

    “This spring, for us, isn’t the season of festive flowers; it’s the season of wreaths. This spring, for us, isn’t a season of tears; it’s a celebration of Herbert’s flight to a height that only a few of God’s chosen ones have attained.”

    In his speech, titled: Herbert Wigwe: The Flower That Bloomed Before Spring, the Vice President highlighted Wigwe’s early successes, his dream of building the “Harvard of Africa,” and his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy.

    “Herbert, though an early bloomer in the garden of life, didn’t share the fate of those who faded away prematurely. His narrative was one of triumph. He conquered all there was to conquer,” he said.

    Shettima mourned the death of Wigwe’s wife, son, and the other people on the ill-fated helicopter.

    The Vice President described their demise as a collective grief felt by many and a “fading fragrance of a garden that touched lives far beyond its borders”.

    Also, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, was in tears yesterday while paying tribute to Wigwe.

    Addressing the crowd at the night of tributes organised for the late banker, Sanusi said: “I was thinking I would die and leave Herbert. We have all heard about him, about his loyalty,”

    In an emotion-laden voice, the former CBN governor recalled how the late banker stood by his side all through his travails after he was removed as Emir of Kano by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

    According to him, Herbert assured him of his unflinching support and loyalty.

    In matching words with action, Sanusi said the late Wigwe provided a plane for him at the tarmac in Kano to convey him to Lagos.

    “When I had problems in Kano, I called him about six months before I was told to leave Kano. I said to him: ‘Herbert, I know you are doing all your best to solve all these problems, but I am convinced that this is what is going to happen.’

    “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 around 9 a.m; 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 told me.”

    The former CBN governor said the late Access Bank CEO and his partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, were crucial to his success during his five-year stint at the apex bank.

    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-Imoukhuede and Wigwe 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…”

    Read Also: Time has preserved Awo’s principles, legacies – Tinubu

    Also, Wigwe’s daughter, Otutochi, described her father as an extraordinary man who was determined and always surpassed expectations. Weeping profusely, she said: “You always turned everything you touched to gold. My father was a feminist, a champion of equality. You were a divine person in my life. You were a paradox. You can never raise your voice on me.”

    Also, the Executive Director in charge of Corporate and Investment Banking at Access Bank, Iyabode Soji Okunsanya, described the late Wigwe as an inspiration to the Access Bank workforce and its success.

    Sparkle’s Chief Executive Officer Uzoma Dozie said Wigwe ensured the seamless acquisition of Diamond Bank.

    Linda Nataka of Access Bank, Zambia, said the late bank chief always wanted to get things done, and actually did.

    Access Bank’s Board Chairman Paul Usoro said Wigwe was knowledgeable, ambitious, and respectful.

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, described the late banker as a visionary leader and philanthropist.

    He promised that the Wigwe University, which the deceased banker envisioned, would become a reality.

  • Wigwe off to do bigger things

    Wigwe off to do bigger things

    • By Prof Dorothy Ufot SAN & Udeme Ufot, MFR

    Sir: The typical response one would get from Herbert on commending his achievement of yet another business feat would be “Small thing Bros, let’s go and do bigger things”. He was always about the next move, the next big conquest. Ever bold, ever so farsighted, always about the next audacious conquest.

    We cannot help but struggle with the reality of the tragic, sudden and very painful passage of Herbert, Chizoba and Chizi.  Dorothy still remembers the engaging time she had with Chizoba last September at a special dinner to celebrate Aigboje’s birthday in Ikoyi. I also recall Chizi and Tochi having a good time with their other “siblings”, the Aig-Imoukhuede children. It was such a warm and relaxing evening for all.

    I once asked Herbert how he kept up with family considering his very busy schedule, which was likely to get worse with Access Bank spreading across territories. He told me one needed to be intentional about everything by planning family into the schedule. It was not unusual therefore to see Herbert at many social functions accompanied by Chizoba, sometimes Chizi, and at other times by both. On one occasion I almost mistook Chizi to be one of Herbert’s personal assistants. 

    Herbert Wigwe was a loyal and dependable friend, sometimes with a wicked sense of humour. He was a generous and considerate brother to all he chose to call “brother”. He was a bold and visionary business leader who seemed to abhor anything small. A bold warrior who believed in leading his troops from the front. All his dreams, all the plans needed to be big and bold. Any time spent with him meant on-boarding loads of inspiration. His bold plans often left you wondering at his audacity. Sometimes you could not help doubting his capacity to achieve a particularly audacious plan, until he did. For him, nothing, absolutely nothing was impossible. It appears he was not only fearless, but restless. One success was always the elixir for the next audacious move.

    We remain appreciative of his kindness and generosity during our daughter’s wedding in Miami. We can never forget his support for SO&U over the years. Especially when we had barely 24hours to pay for a property in Oniru. When I called for his intervention with barely two hours left of the work day on a Friday, his response was short, reassuring and effective. “Don’t worry Udeme, you will pay for the land”. And we did.

    Read Also: Time has preserved Awo’s principles, legacies – Tinubu

    I will miss that occasional text from him in response to compliments on the success of a bold move, “Thank you Big Bros”. 

    May God Almighty heal all of us as we nurse this wound. May the Lord especially strengthen the Wigwe, the Nwuba, the Aig-Imoukhuede and the TENGEN families at this time. Let us all be consoled by the understanding that Herbert is off to do bigger things, in a better place. That is what he would probably have told me if I had the opportunity to ask.

    May the Lord grant peaceful repose to the souls of Herbert, Chizoba and Chizi.

    •Prof Dorothy Ufot SAN & Udeme Ufot, MFR,

    Lagos.

  • FG pays tribute to Herbert Wigwe, family

    FG pays tribute to Herbert Wigwe, family

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday led the nation to mourn former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe and his family, saying he conquered all there was to conquer.

    Shettima’s eulogy for the Wigwes was contained in a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

    The Vice President, in a lyrical eulogy, described the late Wigwe as an early bloomer who transformed the banking industry, recalling his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to his community.

    Addressing a crowd of mourners in Lagos during the funeral service of the late banker, he said: “Herbert left us in winter before the season of bloom. Spring was just about to arrive at his last location, the United States when the Lord called for him.

    “Spring is not the symbol of Herbert’s bloom; his journey was defined by peculiar seasons. He bloomed long before his co-travellers.

    “This spring, for us, isn’t the season of festive flowers; it’s the season of wreaths. This spring, for us, isn’t a season of tears; it’s a celebration of Herbert’s flight to a height that only a few of God’s chosen ones have attained.”

    Delivering his speech titled: “Herbert Wigwe: The flower that bloomed before spring,” the VP highlighted Wigwe’s early successes, his dream of building the “Harvard of Africa,” and his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy.

    “Herbert, though an early bloomer in the garden of life, didn’t share the fate of those who faded away prematurely. His narrative was one of triumph. He conquered all there was to conquer,” he said.

    Read Also: Tinubu introduces new policies for improved investment in oil and gas

    Shettima also regretted the tragic loss of Wigwe’s wife, son and others, describing the loss as a collective grief felt by many and a “fading fragrance of a garden that touched lives far beyond its borders”.

    He however urged Nigerians to celebrate “the divine miracle that was the lives the deceased lived,” adding that “the spread of this grief that binds us is so because they cultivated a garden of success.”

    Shettima continued: “Their achievements were not just individual triumphs but testaments to the collective strength of those they touched, those they built, and those they inspired.

    “The journey of our departed brothers and sisters may have ended in a distant land, but their spirits linger in the hearts of everyone here and beyond,” the Vice President added. “May Herbert’s legacy continue to bloom in the hearts and minds of those who strive for greatness.”

  • Sanwo-Olu to immortalise Wigwe as Dangote, others extol virtues

    Sanwo-Olu to immortalise Wigwe as Dangote, others extol virtues

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos on Monday promised to immortalise the late founder of Access Bank, Dr Herbert Wigwe, who was born at the Island Maternity Hospital in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu made the pledge on Monday night at an event to celebrate the late Group Chief Executive, Access Corporation, Dr Herbert Wigwe, tagged, “Celebrating Herbert Wigwe – A Professional Legacy”.

    The event was divided into six segments – Young Hebert, the banker, the entrepreneur, the CEO, the builder and the ambassador.

    The governor narrated his last conversation with Wigwe on Thursday, Feb. 8, where lofty ideas were discussed.

    “This was the last conversation that I will keep on my phone for a long time,” he said.

    He said that Wigwe was a man who always had good stories and supported several projects of his administration and driving him to take up new challenges.

    “Herbert was one of the very first people that supported my ambition generously,” he said.

    He said it was unbelievable how a man could give so much, including his words of encouragement.

    Sanwo-Olu revealed how Wigwe collaborated with other partners to cushion the effects of COVID-19 during the dreaded global pandemic.

    “Herbert led from the front, encouraged and stood with the state government. I have indeed lost a big friend,” he said.

    He said Wigwe and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the former group managing director of Access Bank, took a trip with him to Cairo to pursue visions of Lagos.

    He said Wigwe had a special history of Isale Eko, and Lagos would immortalise him, haven being born in Island Maternity Hospital.

    He said if places of birth mattered, Wigwe should be of Isale Eko origin, noting, “Herbert has transcended beyond borders.

    “Lagos will not forget Herbert Wigwe. We will support the family,” he said.

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun while speaking of his encounters said, “It is a tough season for all of us.”

    Abiodun said words were not enough to describe and how larger than life Wigwe was as he achieved so much within a short lifetime.

    Read Also: Tearful Dangote immortalises Wigwe

    “Herbert was loyal to his friends, way ahead of his time ever forward looking,” he said.

    He said Wigwe believed in the country Nigeria, he was patriotic, adding that he met him about 30 years ago and thanked Wigwe for believing in him and supportive of his programmes and projects.

    He said the projects included Gateway International Airport and the Epe/Ijebu-Ode Road projects, among others.

    He described Wigwe as a bridge builder, selfless, bold and courageous.

    He said it still felt like a bad dream that Herbert was gone, saying he was happy he honoured the invitation to see Wigwe’s new home.

    He hinted that Wigwe had a street named after him in Beirut, saying, “he lived more than a life on one lifetime”.

    The Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, narrated Wigwe’s contributions to sports and various sectors, including supporting his personal and family visions.

    “Herbert gave me his time and thinking, what I valued most; the man is never short of ideas,” he said.

    Mr Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), appreciated Wigwe’s hard work, broad knowledge base and role in shaping banking reforms further.

    He said that Wigwe’s commitment to reform and his genuine concern for the well-being of Nigerians garnered significant recognition.

    The CBN Governor said he and the deceased recently discussed the way out of the country’s economic impasse, adding that the banker’s demise had left a vacuum in the bamling sector and the economy.

    In his view, former CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi, emphasised the immense value of Wigwe’s contributions and the challenges that could arise in finding a suitable replacement.

    Sanusi’s recognised Wigwe’s influence and the long-lasting imprint of his work, saying that further solidify the remarkable nature of his contributions.

    Ibrahim Dankwambo, former Senator for Gombe North and former of governor of Gombe State, said, “from Him we come, to Him we shall return” while reeling out good times with WigweCoopers Library.

    Dankwambo said Herbert was handed over to him as a brother by his father.

    Dankwambo, a former Accountant-General of the Federation, shared hilarious moments, describing Wigwe as a detribalised Nigerian.

    “Herbert and I acquired this bank (Access Bank) and made it what it is today,” he said.

    Dignitaries relished adventurous and courageous stories from Wigwe’s early childhood and later his successful sourjourn and success stories from GTB and later the acquisition of Access Bank.

    Femi Otedola, in an emotion-laden voice, also expressed the qualities of Wigwe while Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said Wigwe lived an incredible life.

    Tributes of President Bola Tinubu, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, France President, Emmanuel Macron, and former US President Bill Clinton’s were read at the event.

    Friends, associations, professional colleagues, Access Bank management from Nigeria, Ghana, and the UK as well as staff took turns to eulogize the patriotism, friendship, and mentorship qualities of Wigwe.

    Iyabo Okunsanya, Executive Director-in-charge of Corporate and Investment Banking at Access Bank Plc, said the opening prayer at the event.

    Also, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank, Mr Roosevelt Ogbonna, read the citation of Wigwe while Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the former group managing director of Access Bank delivered the closing speech.

    (NAN)

  • Tearful Dangote immortalises Wigwe

    Tearful Dangote immortalises Wigwe

    It was  a rain of tributes for the late Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe yesterday.

     His colleagues in the financial sector and acquaintances from other constituencies converged on the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos at an event tagged:  Herbert Wigwe: Celebrating Professional Excellence.

     The event, which attracted eminent personalities, including governors, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale  Edun and industrialists, led by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

     President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu, French President  Emmanuel Macron, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the United States (U.S.), Bill Clinton, sent in their messages of solidarity and comfort to the Wigwe family.

     Wigwe, his wife Chizoba and son Chizzy, died in a helicopter crash almost a month ago in the United States (U.S.).

     President Tinubu said that he was shocked and deeply depressed by the news of the passing of Wigwe.

     Describing him as a distinguished banker, humanitarian and entrepreneur, the President added that Wigwe’s passing and those of others involved in the accident were a tragedy beyond comprehension.

     He prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.

     Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spoke on how Wigwe supported government projects with solid ideas and how he motivated him to drive development.

     “I have lost a good friend and brother. Lagos will not forget Herbert Wigwe. His legacies will be immortalised,” Sanwo-Olu said.

     An emotional Dangote, who opened the floodgate of tributes, described Wigwe as his mentee, a brother and a friend. He said one of the major roads leading to his private refinery in Lagos would be named after the late Rivers State-born banker.

     He said: “I am consoled that Hebert has run a successful race, and has gone to a better place.

     “To immortalise my beloved friend, brother and mentee, I have decided to name one of our refinery roads, the biggest road will now be named Herbert Wigwe.

     “After we have all gone, people will still visit the refinery and would want to find out who was this Herbert Wigwe.

     “He was a man loved by all, and his boundless energy and uncommon zeal resonated in his life worthy of emulation.”

     Cardoso said Wigwe not only had a genuine concern for the welfare of his people, but his generosity touched countless lives.

     He said: “Many who interacted with Herbert, will tell you they were inspired by his vision of hard work and dedication in building Access Bank into an international services powerhouse. As we bid farewell to Herbert, let us pray for comfort, and solace for his children and entire family.”

     Edun, said: “Our hearts are heavy but we have to encourage ourselves. Wigwe was my friend and younger brother. He was so full of knowledge and ideas. His optimism was infectious and encouraging.

     “Herbert Wigwe was solution-driven.”

      AfDB President Akinwunmi Adesina, said Wigwe lived a fulfilled life.

     He described him as an exceptionally smart banker, who brought pride to Nigeria and Africa.

    Read Also: Oronsaye report: Labour cautions Fed Govt against job loss

     Access Holdings Plc’s co-founder, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said Wigwe’s death caused time to stand still.

     He said: “People paused to learn and reflect on this iconic African leader he was. He proved that Africa is still capable of producing great men with capacity to change the world positively. He was committed to building an African continent, where people can achieve their goals.” According to Aig-Imoukhuede, Wigwe was very concerned about the state of the nation and wanted so much to ensure a better nation for all.

     President Macron said France has lost a friend, adding that his country’s thought goes to the Wigwe family and loved ones.

    The French leader added that Wigwe worked to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

     Obasanjo noted that Wigwe made extraordinary success of his life and inspired this generation.

    Clinton said he supported humanitarian works across the world.

    Former Chairman, Access Bank, Gbenga Oyebode, said the vision of Wigwe University will be sustained.

    He described the late Wigwe as a relentless, restless and fearless leader who never did anything half-heartedly.

    He said the former Access Bank chief pursued and achieved audacious targets during his lifetime.

    “His friends will make sure that Wigwe University’s vision is sustained,” he said.

  • Dangote names Lagos refinery road after Wigwe

    Dangote names Lagos refinery road after Wigwe

    The Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has named the “biggest” road network leading to his Lagos refinery after the late Herbert Wigwe.

    The Nation reports Wigwe died with his wife and son in an helicopter crash in California, the United States of America.

    Dangote, while paying his tribute to the late billionaire banker in a programme organised in his honour, said though the former Access Holdings CEO didn’t join the military he could be referred to as a soldier.

    “Part of the 120km refinery road. The biggest road will be now named Herbert Wigwe Road,” Dangote said at a memorial for the late bank chief on Monday evening.

    Read Also: We are focused on building legacy projects in Niger Delta, says Ogbuku

    He added that by naming the road after Herbert Wigwe, “people will see this road leading to the refinery and would find out who was this Herbert Wigwe.“

    According to him, Wigwe was a man loved by all who lived a life worthy of emulation.

  • ‘Wigwe built a private tomb before death’

    ‘Wigwe built a private tomb before death’

    Late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, Herbert Wigwe, built a tomb for himself, it has been revealed. 

    The Nation had reported that Wigwe;  wife, Chizoba; and son, Chizi, are scheduled for burial between March 4 and 10, 2024.

    The three died in a helicopter crash in California, United States of America on February 9, 2024.

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara also said the State will immortalise the late Wigwe.

    A source, according to the Vanguard, said: “He built this private cemetery before he started the university.”

    Read Also: Rivers will immortalise Wigwe, says Fubara

    “His house here has been designed to have a special gate and walls separated from the university. I can tell you that he had a big vision.

    “Very good vision and he was making efforts to ensure that those visions came to a reality.

     “But what I cannot tell you right now is whether those visions will still be achieved.

    “It is located inside Wigwe International University, Isikpo, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital,” the source said.

    “The sight of the transparent private cemetery is a clear testament to the fact that Dr. Herbert Wigwe was not just rich while alive, he appears even richer in death.”

  • Rivers will immortalise Wigwe, says Fubara

    Rivers will immortalise Wigwe, says Fubara

    • Why good people die early, by governor

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said the state will immortalise the late Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe.

    Speaking at a night of tributes organised on Tuesday by the Port Harcourt City One Love Family to reflect on Wigwe’s life and times, the governor said the late banker led an impactful life, affecting society positively.

    He described the death of Wigwe as a double loss.

    Fubara noted that apart from happening at a time he became governor, the late banker was his in-law.

    He said: “For me, it is a double loss, not just as the governor of our dear state, still standing, but as an in-law. Herbert is from Isiokpo; my wife’s mother is from Isiokpo. As a matter of fact, they are even close; they’re relatives. So, you can see that this loss is really deep for my own family.

    “But I have come to understand something about life. Those ones that God has favoured, that have the blessings of God, that God really cherishes, He doesn’t like them to stay too long on earth because He doesn’t want them to get corrupt.

    “But the wicked ones, the cruel ones, that you are praying for to die, will stay and they will not die.

    “So, you should understand what has happened to our brother and his family… Yes, immediately, when it happened, we started feeling the pains. But at the long run, we would understand the message that God has just sent to us. It sounds painful, but it has a special message.

    “We have come to this world with nothing, we will leave this world, no matter how rich you are, when you die, you will also leave with nothing.

    “So, it is for us to appreciate the mystery of life, understanding that what is most important is the number of persons that are still behind when you’re not there and say positive things about you.

    “Not the ones that are drinking with you, not the ones that join you to attend occasions and hail you. But how many, when you’re no longer there, can say oh, he is a good man, he’s a great man?”

    The governor added: “For me, Herbert came, he saw, and he conquered. He has completed his work on earth. Our prayers should be wherever he is going, because we can’t see, but let it be at the right place in heaven.

    “I want to enjoin everyone of you, as much as it looks difficult, let’s have that faith that the only one that can comfort us in this kind of situation is God and He is going to fill that gap for us.

    Read Also: We will immortalise ‘our worthy son’, Wigwe, says Fubara

    Also, the Wigwe family has announced that the burial for the late banker, his wife, and son will hold on Saturday, March 9 at the Redeemed Church of God’s (RCCG’s) Lion of Judah Parish at Isiokpo in Rivers State at 10 a.m.”

    “Don’t lose faith in God. We will, as a government, do everything within our power to immortalise some of the legacies of our dear brother. We have said it before and we are also making the commitment again publicly here before the Port Harcourt One Love Family.”

    “But you also owe Herbert something. He believed in this course; ensure that you do not deviate. That’s the truth. Today, we are all proud of this family called Port Harcourt One love Family.”

    Fubara urged the people not to lose their directions but keep sustaining the features of the Port Harcourt One Love Family.

    He said: “It is unfortunate that it has happened. But the state will participate fully in all processes of the burial. We have just been informed that it will start next week, March 4 to 8. We are still expecting more information. But we will participate and give the best of the state.”

  • Family announces 6-day burial rites for Wigwe, wife, son

    Family announces 6-day burial rites for Wigwe, wife, son

    The burial rites for Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and his son have been announced by the family.

    The 57-year-old Wigwe died with his wife, Chizoba, and Herbert Chizi (Jr) in a helicopter crash in California, United States of America (USA).

    According to a programme released by the deceased’s family, the burial ceremony of the Wigwes will begin with a celebration of the professional legacy of the former GCEO of Access Holdings at the Eko Hotel in Lagos on Monday, March 4, and will end with an outing service at the Redeemed Christian Church Of God (RCCG), Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers, on March 10.

    Below are the complete details of the funeral arrangements for the Wigwes as provided by the family:

    Celebrating Herbert Wigwe — “A Professional Legacy”

    Monday, March 4, 2024

    Venue: Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos

    Time: 2:00 pm-6:00 pm

    Read Also: Before Wigwe goes home

    Celebrating Chizi Wigwe

    Tuesday, March 5, 2024

    Venue: Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos

    Time: 10:00 am

    Celebrating Chizoba Wigwe

    Tuesday, March 5, 2024

    Venue: Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos

    Time: 5:00 pm

    Night of Tributes

    Wednesday, March 6, 2024

    Venue: Eko Hotel Victoria Island, Lagos

    Time: 5:00 pm

    Combined Service of Songs

    Thursday, March 7, 2024

    RCCG, Resurrection Parish,

    1 Resurrection Drive, 1st Gate,

    Jakande Estate, Km 15 Lekki

    Time: 10:00 am

    Christian Wake-Keeping

    Friday, March 8, 2024

    Wigwe University, Isiokpo

    6:00 pm

    Combined Funeral Service

    Saturday, March 9, 2024

    RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo

    10:00 am

    Private Interment Ceremony

    Saturday, March 9, 2024

    Outing Service

    Sunday, March 10, 2024

    RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo

    10:00 am

  • Before Wigwe goes home

    Before Wigwe goes home

    The painful death of Access Bank chief Herbert Wigwe has let out a lot of steam. It is especially about how Intercontinental Bank under Erastus Akingbola was dissolved in a frenetic acquisition move. The tale was daubed a tilapia swallowing a whale, a miracle of fraud. Names were mentioned who are still alive. It is only the living in this tale that can do credit to the departed Wigwe and restore his superfine image. If they love Wigwe, the men who have been fingered in this fantastic heist should come out and tell us their role or lack of it in this drama of Gulliver traveling over industry Lilliputians. Aig-Imoukhuede ought to say something, and not him alone, but also his mother in-law madam Evelyn Oputu over a mobile elixir of N50 billion that moved in and out without a stain. What of Bukola Saraki, our Eleyinmi and former governor of Kwara State and fall guy of Otoge? He has kept mum over his role in allegedly  stage-managing a classic revenge after Akingbola did not oblige the saviour of his bank.

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    Is it true? What of former CBN governor Lamido Sanusi, the former Kano emir, who has greeted the buzz with uncharacteristic silence? We need Wigwe to go “gentle into that good night,” not with the stories of filth and official brigandage. Their silence is viewed by many as consent.