Herbert Wigwe, who served as the CEO of Access Bank, tragically passed away in a helicopter accident on February 11, 2024. The accident occurred near the California-Nevada border in the United States.
Wigwe was traveling with his wife, Doreen Chizoba, and their son, Chizi, in an Airbus EC130 helicopter from Palm Springs to Boulder City, Nevada.
Unfortunately, the helicopter crashed near Halloran Springs in California’s San Bernardino County at 10:08 pm local time. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the crash.
While a preliminary report is expected within a few weeks, a comprehensive investigation could take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to complete. As of now, the exact cause of the crash remains undetermined.
Meet Herbert Wigwe’s Wife and Children
Meet Herbert Wigwe’s Wife, Chizoba Wigwe
Herbert Wigwe’s wife was Chizoba Wigwe. She was a well-respected lawyer and entrepreneur. Chizoba, along with her husband and one of their children, tragically died in a helicopter crash on February 11, 2024.
Chizoba was known for her achievements, and many considered her wealthier than her husband. She hailed from a privileged background, with her father being a chartered accountant at Shell Petroleum Development and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
Chizoba and Herbert had four children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah, and David. She excelled in both law and business, particularly in the construction industry, where she founded Craneburg Construction Company.
Described as beautiful, humble, playful, and intelligent, Chizoba’s life and legacy were closely intertwined with Herbert’s. Their contributions to society and their family were widely acknowledged and mourned after their untimely passing.
Meet Herbert Wigwe’s Children
Herbert Wigwe, the former CEO of Access Bank, had four children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah, and David. Chizi, the oldest, was born on June 15, 1998, and works in banking and finance.
Tochi, the second child and first daughter, was born on September 12, 2000, and is involved in human rights and advocacy. Hannah, born on April 5, 2004, is an entrepreneur in e-commerce and fashion.
David, the youngest and only son, was born on December 25, 2006. Sadly, Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, and their son David passed away in a helicopter crash on February 9, 2024.
Get to Know Herbert Wigwe: Biography
Herbert Wigwe, known as the CEO of Access Holdings in Nigeria, tragically died in a helicopter crash in California. This sad news was confirmed by Access Holdings Plc and various news sources.
Born on August 15, 1966, in Lagos, Nigeria, Wigwe was a prominent Nigerian banker and entrepreneur, leading Access Bank since 2014. Access Holdings Plc’s board will soon announce an acting Group Chief Executive Officer to fill his position.
Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, born on August 15, 1966, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, made a significant impact as a Nigerian banker and businessman.
He served as the MD/CEO of Access Bank and Access Holdings, playing a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s financial landscape. Tragically, he passed away on February 9, 2024, in a helicopter crash near Nipton, California, U.S. Let’s explore the journey of this influential figure.
Herbert Wigwe, aged 57 at the time of his passing, hailed from Rivers State, Nigeria. He held Nigerian citizenship and served as the MD/CEO of Access Bank and Access Holdings, leaving a lasting legacy in the banking sector.
Herbert’s academic journey began at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accountancy in 1987.
He pursued further education at the University College of North Wales (now Bangor) and the University of London, obtaining a Master of Arts in banking and finance in 1991 and an MSc in Financial Economics in 1996, respectively.
Additionally, he completed the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2018.
Wigwe started his professional career at Coopers & Lybrand before joining Guaranty Trust Bank for a decade. In 2002, he, along with Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, acquired Access Bank, which became the 4th largest bank in Nigeria under their leadership by 2017.
He served as deputy managing director from 2002 to 2014 and then as CEO and group managing director until his untimely demise. Beyond his corporate roles, Wigwe was instrumental in establishing the Access Conference, a biennial leadership series addressing global challenges.
He was also actively involved in philanthropy, collaborating with UNICEF and founding The HOW Foundation, a non-profit organization. Herbert Wigwe was a devoted family man, survived by his wife, Chizoba Wigwe, and their four children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah, and David.
The tragic helicopter crash claimed the lives of his wife and son as well, leaving a profound impact on the Access Family and the banking community. The helicopter crash near Nipton, California, marked the end of Herbert Wigwe’s remarkable journey.
His contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Commander of the Order of the Niger. In his honor, Wigwe University was set to open in fall 2024.
At the time of his passing, Herbert Wigwe’s estimated net worth was approximately $65.2 million, reflecting his success in the banking and investment sectors.
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