In a solemn gathering marked by grief and solidarity, prominent Nigerian figures, including the President and CEO of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and former Access Bank Plc CEO Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, visited the bereaved family of the late Herbert Wigwe, former CEO of Access Holdings Plc. The visit on Monday was to express their heartfelt condolences following the tragic helicopter crash in the United States that claimed Wigwe, his family, and a notable corporate leader, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
The accident, occurring near a border town between California and Nevada last Friday, has plunged the nation into mourning, highlighting the fragility of life and the profound impact of Wigwe and his family on both the corporate and social spheres of Nigeria.
Governor Abiodun shared the moment of the visit on his Facebook page, recounting the collective grief and the shared prayers for the Wigwe family. “In the company of Dr. Aliko Dangote and a group of close friends and associates, we gathered to express our heartfelt condolences to Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and his wife, Mrs. Stella Wigwe,” Abiodun wrote. The governor eloquently captured the sentiment of the visit, emphasizing the collective prayer for peace for the departed souls and comfort for the family left to navigate this immense loss.
The condolence visit was not only a gesture of sympathy but also a testament to the respect and admiration held for Wigwe and his contributions to the banking sector and the broader economic development of Nigeria. The presence of other distinguished guests, including political economist Prof. Pat Utomi, and the Founder of Stanbic IBTC and Anap Foundation, Atedo Peterside, underscored the wide-reaching impact of the tragedy and the unity in grief.
As the nation grapples with this loss, the outpouring of support for the Wigwe family serves as a reminder of the enduring bonds of community and the strength found in shared sorrow. The legacy of Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, and their son Chizi, will be remembered not only for their professional achievements but also for the lives they touched and the positive changes they inspired.
The helicopter crash has not only taken the lives of prominent individuals but has also left a void in the hearts of many across the nation. As investigations continue into the cause of the accident, the focus remains on supporting the Wigwe family and honoring the memory of those lost. This tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment and the impact one life can have on many.