Access Bank has confirmed the tragic death of its Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, who was killed in a helicopter crash in the United States of America. The crash occurred on Friday, February 9, 2024, claiming the lives of six people, including Dr Wigwe, his wife, and his son.
In a statement, Access Bank expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Dr Wigwe, highlighting his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to social impact initiatives. Dr Wigwe's legacy, the bank noted, would forever be remembered by Access Holdings and the communities it serves.
Following the crash, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration launched a probe into the incident in collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Board. Reports indicate that the helicopter, a Eurocopter EC 130, crashed near Nipton, California, approximately 60 miles from Las Vegas, where the victims were reportedly en route to attend the Super Bowl.
Dr. Herbert Wigwe, aged 57, was a co-founder of Access Bank and played a pivotal role in its growth and success since its inception in 2002. With a background in professional services and banking, Dr. Wigwe's expertise and leadership were instrumental in transforming Access Bank into one of Nigeria's top five banks and a globally recognized financial institution.
Under Dr. Wigwe's stewardship, Access Bank expanded its reach to serve over 6.5 million account holders through 350 branches and more than 1,500 ATMs across Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the UK. His vision and dedication to excellence have left an indelible mark on the banking industry and the communities it serves.
The untimely passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe has deeply saddened the banking community and beyond. His contributions to Access Bank and the broader financial sector will be remembered as a testament to his legacy of leadership and impact
