Access Bank Plc has responded to reports of the alleged death of its Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Herbert Wigwe, in a helicopter crash.
Wigwe, along with his wife, son, and former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, were reportedly involved in the tragic incident.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, the bank acknowledged receiving numerous inquiries regarding the crash. Access Bank stated that it is actively cooperating with US authorities to obtain updates on the situation.
“Your understanding and support are valued, and we commit to keeping you informed promptly as we receive updates on the situation.”
Also, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has expressed grief over the death of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe.
Okonjo-Iweala described Wigwe’s death in a chopper crash as terribly sad.
Posting on X, she wrote: “Terribly saddened by the news of the terrible loss of Herbert Wigwe , Group CEO Access Bank @HerbertOWigwe, his wife and son as well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash. My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Group employees and Management @myaccessbank and my younger Brother Herbert’s partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
Similarly, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said he was “deeply shaken” by Wigwe’s death.
Saraki said Wigwe’s death was a loss to the business community in Nigeria.
Posting his condolence on X, Saraki wrote: “I’m deeply shaken by the news of the helicopter crash in California that claimed the lives of my friend and brother, Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, his dear wife, son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, alongside two others.
“As we mourn his loss, we must view the passing of Herbert and these prominent individuals not just as a personal tragedy for their families but also as a significant loss for the business community and the nation at large.”
He said the deceased was instrumental in transforming what was once a small commercial bank into one of the top five banks in the nation.
Reportedly, they were en route from Palm Springs, California, to Boulder City, Nevada, on Friday night when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed at approximately 10 pm.
The tragic incident occurred near a small town in California’s Mojave Desert.
