Herbert Wigwe, former Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on February 9, 2024, alongside his wife, son, and three others in California, United States. His legacy, however, remains indelible, celebrated by those who recognize his transformative impact on banking, finance, and education across Africa and beyon, 9am news reports.
Wigwe’s remarkable career in banking began at Guaranty Trust Bank, but it was his audacious move in 2002, alongside business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, that redefined his trajectory. Together, they acquired Access Bank, then a relatively small commercial bank, and turned it into a leading financial institution. From serving as deputy managing director to ascending as group managing director/CEO in 2014, Wigwe played a central role in driving Access Bank’s meteoric rise from Nigeria’s 65th-ranked bank to one of the nation’s top five financial institutions.
His influence extended beyond Nigeria, as he spearheaded Access Bank’s expansion across Africa and beyond. Under his leadership, the bank established a presence in 22 African nations and ventured into international financial hubs, including Paris, furthering its global ambitions. The landmark 2018 merger with Diamond Bank solidified Access Bank’s dominance, while his commitment to sustainable finance was evident in 2019 when the bank issued Nigeria’s first green bond.
Wigwe’s foresight led to the 2022 transformation of Access Bank into Access Holdings Plc, a move designed to diversify its offerings across payments, insurance, consumer finance, and pensions. His goal was clear: to create a pan-African financial powerhouse, driving economic growth and sustainable development across multiple industries.
Beyond banking, Wigwe was deeply invested in real estate and education. He played a pivotal role in the acquisition and development of iconic office buildings that became symbols of Access Bank’s ambition. However, his most personal and ambitious project was Wigwe University, a $500 million investment aimed at revolutionizing higher education in Nigeria and West Africa. The institution, focused on management, science, engineering, and the arts, promised to nurture the next generation of African leaders.
Today, Access Holdings Plc stands as a testament to Herbert Wigwe’s vision, serving over 60 million customers across three continents with more than 700 branches and 28,000 employees. His contributions to finance, education, and African development will be felt for generations to come, cementing his status as one of the most influential business leaders of his time.
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