*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State among other several other distinguished personalities graces late Herbert Wigwe’s one-year remembrance service, stating that Nigeria lost a ‘shining star’

Emmanuel Akosile | 绿帽献妻

A year after his death, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, again, has paid tribute to late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, a banking聽 tycoon, and ex-Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc.

President Tinubu, who showered the tribute at one-year remembrance service for Wigwe, held Sunday, February 9, 2025, at a solemn gathering of distinguished personalities at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, said Nigeria had lost 鈥渁 shining star鈥�.

Late Dr. Herbert Wigwe

The banker, his wife Chizoba, his son Chizi, and Abimbola Ogunbajo, a former President of the National Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) died in a helicopter crash in the United States (US) last year.

The Nigerian leader, represented by Mr. Wale Edun, Honourable Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, at the 1st remembrance service for Wigwe, also affirmed that the late business mogul built institutions before his demise.

Wigwe, a builder of institutions, dreams and people, says Tinubu

The President stated: “Wigwe was more than a banker. He was a builder 鈥� of institutions, of dreams and people,鈥�

Through several projects, Wigwe was a major contributor to youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and philanthropy among others, noted Tinubu at the solemn gathering featuring family members, corporate friends, partners, and high-profile personalities across several walks of life.

He said: 鈥淏ut even in our grief, we find solace in the enduring legacy of his work, his values, and the institutions he built. “His story is one that reminds us that vision, hard work, and service to humanity are measures of true greatness.”

Tinubu as well extended his condolences to the Wigwe family; Access Holdings, friends, and loved ones the former banker left behind.

The President said: 鈥淣igeria has lost a shining star … but the light Wigwe lighted in our nation will never be dimmed.鈥�

Also, in his heartfelt remarks at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State , said: 鈥淎 year ago, the world as we knew it, changed forever.

“In an instant, we lost a man whose presence was larger than life.鈥�

Sanwo-Olu recalled: “He, especially believed in our work here in Lagos State.

“Herbert travelled the world with us, helping my government to mobilise partners and funding.”

The governor also said: 鈥淟agos State has felt his absence very strongly in the last one year and people in this room know truly what I am talking about. “There are projects that would no doubt have moved faster today.

“Of course, Herbert being around would have pushed them forward.鈥�

Wigwe, ‘a friend of France鈥� -President Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron also had glowing words for Wigwe at the one-year remembrance service.

President Macron, represented by Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Lagos (Nigeria), said: “As we commemorate the first anniversary of his sudden death today, the government of France salutes an exceptional entrepreneur, a friend of the arts, a man who served his country and the public interest; a friend of France,鈥�

The French President said Wigwe featured prominently, in strengthening Nigeria鈥檚 ties with France during his time as the President of the France-Nigeria Business Council between 2023 and 2024.

He stated: “The best tribute we can pay to him is, indeed, to keep his legacy alive.”

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