On Monday, February 10th, Nigerians received shocking news and were heartbroken to hear that Herbert Wigwe, the CEO of Access Holdings, had died in a helicopter crash in California. He wasn’t alone; his wife, son, and three other people were also killed in the crash. This sad news came as a big scare to everyone who knew him. Here are more details about Mr. Wigwe’s life, his work, and how people are eulogising his memory after this tragedy.
Herbert Wigwe, born in 1966, grew up with his family in Omueke, Isiokpo, Rivers State. His parents, of Ikwerre heritage, raised him alongside his three sisters, Joyce, Peggy, and Stella, and his brother Emeka.
His learning journey started at an early stage, and he spent his school days at St. Gregory’s College in Lagos, soaking up knowledge and preparing for his future. After graduating, he set his sights even higher, enrolling at the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. There, he studied accounting, earning his degree in 1987.
Wigwe didn’t just stop with one big brain-booster degree! He went back to school for even more learning, grabbing a master’s degree in banking and finance from the University College of North Wales in 1989 (it’s called Bangor University now). He dove deeper with another master’s degree in financial economics from the University of London the very next year.
And even later in life, in 2006, he showed he was still keen on learning new things by taking part in a special program called the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program.
All this hard work and dedication made Wigwe a strong force in his field. He was recognized by institutes like the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Nigeria and the Institute of Credit Administration. He attained fellowship status with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Institute of Credit Administration, and he was also crowned Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) for all the amazing things he did for Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Throughout his career, Herbert Wigwe wasn’t just a bigwig in banking; he was a giant. Not only did he make a big difference in the banking sector of Nigeria and Africa, but he was also a respected leader everyone looked up to. His hard work earned him many awards, like “African Banker of the Year” in 2016, the African Leadership Magazine ”African Business Leader Award” in 2020, the Leadership Newspaper ”Business Person” of the Year in 2020, and “BusinessDay CEO of the Year” in 2017. He was even named the “Best of Africa” by Forbes magazine in 2020.
More than just a successful businessman, Wigwe had a big heart and a passion for helping others. He believed in giving back to the community, and he used his resources to make a real difference. In 2018, he started the Herbert Wigwe Foundation, a special organisation that helps young Nigerians reach their full potential. Through scholarships, wise guidance, and helpful programmes, the foundation gives them the tools they need to build bright futures for themselves and their communities.
He generously shared his success through various charitable efforts. This included supporting organisations like the How Foundation, which fights malaria by providing free treatment and prevention for children and pregnant mothers. He also believed in education as a powerful tool for change, and so he backed the Slum2School initiative, which works hard to bring quality education to children living in disadvantaged communities.
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Herbert Wigwe was a believer in the power women held. He saw how important they were to building a strong society, so he became a strong champion for initiatives that helped them thrive. One way he did this was through the W Initiative, a programme from Access Bank. It wasn’t just money; they offered all sorts of support, like training and advice, to help women succeed in their businesses.
Wigwe also cared deeply about nurturing talent and creativity. He started the Access Bank Art X Prize. This program helped young Nigerian artists get their work seen and appreciated, giving them a chance to shine. Wigwe believed in making a real difference in the world.
In the end, Herbert Wigwe wasn’t just a successful leader; he put his money and support behind things like education, healthcare, and protecting the environment. He wanted to build a future where everyone had a chance to reach their full potential, and he worked hard to make that happen. His dedication to social responsibility continues to inspire us to make the world a brighter, more equitable place.
Herbert Wigwe was also a family man. He and his wife, Chizoba, a lawyer and entrepreneur, built a beautiful family with their four children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah, and David. Wigwe loved spending time with his children, making every moment count.
Faith was deeply important to Wigwe, who was a strong Christian and an active member of his church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He wasn’t just a regular churchgoer; he was a pastor and mentor, using his faith to guide and inspire others.
Wigwe had a bunch of other interests that kept him busy. He loved reading all sorts of books—history, biographies, leadership guides, even spiritual stuff—always looking to learn and grow. He also enjoyed sports, especially football (a loyal Arsenal fan), golf, and tennis, never missing a chance to cheer on the Nigerian national team.
With hundreds of thousands following him, he shared not just achievements but glimpses into his life. We saw photos of him beaming with pride alongside his family, exploring new places, and indulging in his favourite hobbies. Through his online presence, he was connecting, offering wisdom like a kind mentor, and sparking conversations with people from all walks of life. His impact stretched far beyond his inner circle, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration.
Herbert Wigwe has amassed a considerable amount of wealth through his banking and investment ventures. Although his net worth is not publicly disclosed, it is believed to be around $65.2 million, making him one of the wealthiest bankers in Africa. His financial success has established his prominence and respect within the financial industry, cementing his reputation as an influential figure.
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Quincy Jones, a legendary music producer renowned for his collaborations with iconic artists, passed away on November 4, 2024, at the age of 91.
His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed the news. Jones’ family released a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief and celebrating his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.
They said,
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
They added, “We take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’s heart will beat for eternity.”
Born in Chicago in 1933, Quincy Jones’s lineage was a complex tapestry of history. His mother descended from slave owners, while his father, half-white, was the son of a Welsh slave master and one of his enslaved women.
Jones’s early exposure to music began at home, where his mother’s singing and a neighbour’s piano ignited his passion. At the tender age of seven, he started learning to play the piano.
Following his parents’ divorce, Jones and his father moved to Washington State. There, he joined his high school band, mastering the drums and various brass instruments.
His musical journey took a significant turn at the age of 14 when he began performing in Seattle bars. A remarkable moment arrived in 1948 when he backed Billie Holiday, sharing the stage with a young Ray Charles.
After a brief stint at Seattle University studying music, Jones ventured to Boston to complete his education. His illustrious career, spanning over seven decades, was marked by groundbreaking collaborations with legendary artists.
He worked alongside Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and many others. Indeed, one of his most iconic achievements was producing Michael Jackson’s historic album, “Thriller.”
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