Herbert Wigwe, a Nigerian banker and entrepreneur, achieved many impressive feats in his career. Here’s a rundown of his key accomplishments: He established The HOW Foundation, a charity, in 2016.

That same year, he earned recognition as Banker of The Year from The Sun and Vanguard newspapers. Also in 2016, he became the State Patron for Lagos State Council of the Boys’ Brigade.

In 2022, he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). In 2012, he led Access Bank’s acquisition of Intercontinental Bank, which propelled Access Bank to become Nigeria’s fourth-largest bank.

Then in 2019, he oversaw the merger with Diamond Bank, creating the largest retail bank in Africa. Access Bank’s listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2019 enhanced its global presence and access to funds.

Additionally, he founded Wigwe University, a pioneering institution in higher education in Nigeria and West Africa, with a $500 million investment. Until his passing in February 2024, Wigwe served as the Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc.

He was also honored as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration, an Honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Meet Herbert Wigwe: Introduction

Discover the legacy of Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, the influential Nigerian banker and CEO of Access Holdings, whose untimely demise in 2024 shocked the financial world.

Biography

Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe was born on August 15, 1966, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. He pursued his academic journey at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, earning a bachelor’s degree in accountancy in 1987.

His thirst for knowledge led him to the University College of North Wales and later to the University of London, where he obtained an MSc in Financial Economics. He honed his skills further at the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program.

Career

Herbert Wigwe kick-started his impressive career at Coopers & Lybrand before joining Guaranty Trust Bank. Over time, he climbed the ranks to become the Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank plc from January 2014 to April 2022.

Starting as a chartered accountant at Coopers & Lybrand, he later worked at Capital Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), eventually becoming the executive director in charge of institutional banking at GTB.

In 2002, Wigwe, alongside his business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, acquired a stake in Access Bank, transforming it from a small commercial bank.

He served as its Deputy Managing Director initially and later took on the role of CEO and Group Managing Director in 2014, steering Access Bank to become one of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions.

Beyond his professional achievements, Wigwe actively participated in philanthropic endeavors, including establishing the HOW Foundation, which focuses on youth empowerment, leadership, mentorship, and initiatives addressing malaria eradication, prostate cancer, and children’s welfare.

His contributions earned him various accolades, such as being named the 2016 Banker of the Year by The Sun and Vanguard newspapers.

Tragically, Wigwe lost his life in a helicopter crash in May 2023. His legacy lives on through his significant impact on Access Bank and his philanthropic contributions.

Parents and Siblings

Herbert Wigwe hails from Omueke Isiokpo in Rivers State. His parents are of Ikwerre descent. He grew up with three sisters named Joyce, Peggy, and Stella, and a brother named Emeka.

Personal Life

He is married to Chizoba Wigwe, Herbert was a devoted family man and father to four children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah, and David.

Tragically, the helicopter crash in 2024 claimed the lives of Herbert, his wife, and one of their children, leaving a profound void in both their family and the banking community.

Meet Herbert Wigwe’s Wife, Chizoba Wigwe

Chizoba Wigwe was a well-known lawyer and entrepreneur. She was married to Herbert Wigwe, who used to be the CEO of Access Holdings Plc. She grew up in Nigeria and did very well in school.

She got a law degree from the University of Nigeria and a master’s degree in international law from the University of London. Chizoba worked as a lawyer, focusing on corporate law, commercial litigation, and arbitration.

She also advised and worked with different organizations, including Access Bank. Besides being a successful lawyer, she was also a smart businesswoman.

She started and ran businesses in fashion, hospitality, and education, like Chizzy Couture, Chizzy Hotel, and Chizzy Academy. Chizoba and Herbert got married in 1998 and were both very driven to succeed and build a prosperous life together.

Sadly, Chizoba, Herbert, their son David, and three others passed away in a helicopter crash near the California-Nevada border on February 11, 2024, while on their way to Las Vegas to watch the Super Bowl.

Many people, including family, friends, and colleagues, mourned Chizoba’s death. They remembered her as a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished daughter, treasured sister, and beloved friend. She left behind a lasting legacy of excellence, innovation, and influence, both in Nigeria and beyond.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Herbert Wigwe’s net worth was estimated at $65.2 million, a testament to his remarkable success in the banking and investment sectors.

FAQs about Herbert Wigwe

In Conclusion

Herbert Wigwe’s impact on Nigerian finance and his philanthropic endeavors will be remembered for generations to come, cementing his place as a visionary leader and a beacon of hope for many aspiring entrepreneurs.

Read next post on: Meet Angel Unigwe Parents: Father and Mother