Herbert Wigwe net worth, wife, family – the Group CEO of Access Bank, his wife Chizoba, son and Abimbola Ogunbanjo have all died in a helicopter crash in California
Herbert Wigwe, his family and three others were on the chopper that crashed.
There were no survivors!
According to NBC News Los Angeles, the crash occurred near the California and Nevada border in eastern San Bernardino County.
The Eurocopter EC 130 crashed near Nipton on the edge of the Mojave Desert Preserve at about 10 p.m., according to the FAA. The crash site was east of the 15 Freeway near Halloran Springs Road.
A race is now on to learn more about Herbert Wigwe Access Bank, his family, net worth, and all those who lost their lives in the crash including his wife, son and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group).
Join below as we learn more….
Herbert Wigwe family
Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, a prominent figure in the Nigerian banking industry, was the Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s largest banks – he has a net worth around $800m – learn all about his family.
Herbert Wigwe lost almost his entirely family in a plane crash with, his wife, son and esteemed colleague, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, all perishing in a helicopter crash in California on Friday, February 9th 2024.
The crash was reported by American media with scanty detail but Nigerian media has identified Herbert Wigwe and the other victims.
So who was Herbert Wigwe?
Herbert Wigwe was born on August 15, 1966, in Lagos, Nigeria.
His early interest in finance led him to pursue education in this field.
Wigwe’s education led to him acquiring the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Master’s degree in Banking and International Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor University).
He also holds a Master’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of London.
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Wigwe is also an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program.
Herbert Wigwe started his career at Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) in Lagos as a management consultant.
Later, he moved to Capital Bank (formerly Guaranty Trust Bank), where he gained experience in corporate banking.
These early experiences laid the groundwork for his deep understanding of the banking sector, particularly in corporate finance, treasury, financial control, and strategic planning.
In 2002, Herbert Wigwe, along with his business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, acquired Access Bank, which was then a small Nigerian bank.
Under their leadership, Access Bank embarked on a journey of aggressive expansion and transformation.
Wigwe’s strategic vision played a pivotal role in steering the bank toward becoming one of the leading financial institutions in Africa.
Access Bank implemented several initiatives under his stewardship, focusing on operational efficiency, customer service, and corporate governance.
The bank has also been at the forefront of promoting sustainability and gender equality within the banking sector.
Achievements and Recognition
Throughout his career, Wigwe received numerous accolades for his contributions to the banking industry and his leadership excellence.
He was recognized for driving financial inclusion and promoting sustainable banking practices.
Wigwe’s philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Access Bank Foundation, have made a positive impact in areas such as education, health, and youth empowerment.
Herbert Wigwe’s legacy extends beyond banking, reflecting his commitment to growth, innovation, and social responsibility.
His bio on the Access Bank page, which provides further details, reads: “Mr. Wigwe started his professional career with Coopers & Lybrand Associates, an international firm of Chartered Accountants. He spent over 10 years at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc where he managed several portfolios, including financial institutions, large corporates and multinationals.
“He left Guaranty Trust Bank as an Executive Director to co-lead the transformation of Access Bank Plc in March 2002 as Deputy Managing Director.
“He was appointed Group Managing Director/CEO effective January 1, 2014 and served in that capacity till May 2022. He was subsequently appointed a Non-Executive Director of the Bank effective May 2022.
“Mr Wigwe is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
“Mr Wigwe is the Chairman of The Access Bank (UK) Ltd and a Non-Executive Director of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company Plc; FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange; Shared Agents Network Expansion Facilities Ltd and Agri-Business/ SME Enterprises Investment Scheme. He is also a member of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Niger,”
Herbert Wigwe family were crucial in building his net worth
Herbert Wigwe was married to his wife Chizoba Wigwe, with whom he shared four children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah, and David.
Herbert Wigwe with the help of his family garnered a net worth around $800m.
According to Sahara Reporters, the helicopter crash in California that killed Herbert Wigwe also took the lives of his wife and son.
The Herbert Wigwe family are currently mourning and are expected to release a statement in due course to address the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Herbert Wigwe’s philanthropic efforts were known far and wide across the continent.
Herbert Wigwe has championed philanthropy through the Access Bank Foundation. This foundation focuses on various areas, including education, health, and youth empowerment.
Through the foundation, Wigwe and Access Bank have made significant contributions to improving the lives of Nigerians.
Herbert Wigwe established the W-Initiative under Access Bank. This scheme aims to support and encourage women entrepreneurs.
Through the W-Initiative, women can connect, share ideas, receive loans, and access training to aid their business growth.
To raise awareness and support for important causes, Access Bank organizes the annual high-profile Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo tournament.
This event combines sportsmanship with philanthropy, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to social responsibility.
In February 2017, Herbert Wigwe was named co-chair of the Nigerian Business Coalition against AIDS (NiBUCCA).
NiBUCCA is a private sector initiative aimed at eradicating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and supporting people living with the condition.
Chizoba Wigwe
Herbert Wigwe married his wife Chizoba with whom he welcomed four children.
He often hailed her presence in his life and described her as everything.
Herbert Wigwe wife Chizoba was instrumental in building his net worth and also inspired him to establish Wigwe University.
He established Wigwe University, under the HOW Foundation, poised to become Africa’s first Ivy League University.
The institution is dedicated to providing a world-class education that equips students with the knowledge and skills to be future-ready.
Here are some key points about Wigwe University:
Mission: Wigwe University aims to build and nurture fearless leaders who will drive transformative change in Nigeria and Africa.
Unique Curriculum: The university offers a unique curriculum, a distinguished faculty, and a diverse community of students who are ready to make history.
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Conducive Environment: Wigwe University provides the most conducive environment for students to attain their highest potentials and create sustainable solutions for our planet and people.
Rooted in Africa, Impacting the World: The institution is rooted in Africa but aspires to impact the world through its graduates’ contributions.
Entrepreneurship, Technology, Innovation, and Impact: Wigwe University serves as the African gateway to the world of entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, and impact.
Herbert Wigwe’s lifelong ambition to build an exceptional, world-class, yet uniquely African institution has culminated in Wigwe University—a place where future leaders will shape the face of the African continent. 🌟🎓
Abimbola Ogunbanjo died in the California Helicopter crash
Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), also died in the California helicopter crash that took the lives of Herbert Wigwe and his family.
Abimbola Ogunbanjo, also known as Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, was a distinguished figure in the Nigerian business and legal landscape.
Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo was born in Nigeria to the family of Chris and Hilda Ogunbanjo, distinguished corporate lawyers, industrialists, and philanthropists.
His early education included schools such as Corona School Apapa, University of Lagos Staff School, Claremont School, Hastings, Sussex, and Igbobi College, Lagos.
He furthered his education at Millfield School in Street, Somerset, England, where he attained his GCE “O” Levels.
Ogunbanjo holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Business Administration from the American College, Switzerland.
He also earned an LL.B. from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom.
Additionally, he obtained certificates in International Capital Markets and Maritime Law from the New York Institute of Finance and the University of Southampton, respectively.
Career and Achievements:
Ogunbanjo served as the Managing Partner of the renowned corporate law firm Chris Ogunbanjo LP (Solicitors).
His legal expertise extended to serving on the boards of several multinational corporations and non-profit organizations, including Beta Glass Plc, GTL Registrars Limited, AIICO Insurance Plc, and ConocoPhillips Limited.
He was a member of the International Bar Association, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Institute of Petroleum.
Ogunbanjo was also a registered capital market consultant with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria.
Beyond his legal career, Ogunbanjo provided pro-bono legal services to organizations such as the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping and the Chris Ogunbanjo Foundation.
He served as the Global Ambassador for the Cervical Cancer-Free Nigeria (CCFN) campaign, an initiative supported by Global Oncology (GO) and Stanford University.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about cervical cancer prevention through the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine1.
Traditional Title and Honors:
The Elerunwon of Erunwon-Ijebu in Council conferred on Ogunbanjo the traditional title of Bamofin of Erunwon Ijebu Kingdom, which translates to the “father of lawyers”.
Tragically, Abimbola Ogunbanjo was among the passengers on board a helicopter that crashed in California near the Nevada border on February 10, 2024, killing him and Herbert Wigwe alongside 4 others.
His legacy as a legal luminary and philanthropist will be remembered. May he rest in peace. 🕊️🌟
Herbert Wigwe died in the Helicopter Crash California
On February 10, 2024, a tragic helicopter crash occurred near the California-Nevada border in the Mojave Desert.
The Eurocopter EC130 helicopter carrying six people crashed.
The crash occurred east of the 15 Freeway and Halloran Springs Road, near the community of Nipton.
The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time.
Survivors: Unfortunately, authorities have not been able to locate any survivors.
This incident follows two other recent aviation disasters:
In Florida, a small plane with engine failure crashed into a vehicle on an interstate, resulting in at least two deaths.
Earlier in the week, five U.S. Marines died when a military helicopter went down in the mountains near San Diego.
The investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is ongoing. Nipton is situated near the California-Nevada border, close to Las Vegas.
Southern California has a history of aviation incidents due to its busy air traffic and challenging terrain.
Whilst the victims have not formally been identified, names such as Herbert Wigwe and have been confirmed by the Nigerian media.
Herbert Wigwe Net Worth, Wife, Family – Who is Herbert Wigwe?
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