By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to the late banking tycoon Herbert Wigwe, describing him as “a shining star” whose legacy continues to inspire. Speaking at a one-year remembrance service held on Sunday in Lagos, Tinubu, represented by Minister of Finance Wale Edun, praised Wigwe for his contributions to the financial sector and national development.
“Wigwe was more than a banker. He was a builder—of institutions, of dreams, and of people,” Tinubu said at the solemn gathering at Eko Hotel.
Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, their son Chizi, and former National Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) President Abimbola Ogunbanjo died in a tragic air crash in the United States exactly one year ago.
The president lauded Wigwe’s dedication to youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and philanthropy, emphasizing that his impact will endure. “Even in our grief, we find solace in the enduring legacy of his work, his values, and the institutions he built. His story reminds us that vision, hard work, and service to humanity define true greatness,” Tinubu stated.
He extended condolences to Wigwe’s family, Access Holdings, friends, and loved ones. “Nigeria has lost a shining star,” he added, “but the light Wigwe lit in our nation will never be dimmed.”
‘An Indelible Void’ – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, though absent, also honored Wigwe’s memory, describing his passing as a great loss to Nigeria’s financial sector.
“His death has left an indelible void in our hearts and in our nation’s financial landscape,” Obasanjo’s tribute read. However, he expressed confidence that Wigwe’s legacy would endure.
“Whenever I come across Access Bank today, memories of Herbert Wigwe come flooding back,” the former president said. Despite his global stature in finance, Obasanjo noted, Wigwe remained accessible and dedicated to nurturing relationships. “He understood that true leadership isn’t just about building institutions but about building people.”
‘He Believed in Lagos’ – Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Wigwe as a man “larger than life” whose absence has been deeply felt over the past year.
“A year ago, the world as we knew it changed forever. In an instant, we lost a man whose presence was larger than life,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He recalled Wigwe’s unwavering support for Lagos State’s development initiatives. “He especially believed in our work here in Lagos. Herbert traveled the world with us, helping my government mobilize partners and funding. Lagos State has felt his absence strongly in the last year,” he added, noting that several projects would have progressed faster with Wigwe’s involvement.
‘A Friend of France’ – Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute, acknowledging Wigwe’s role in strengthening France-Nigeria relations.
“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,” said Laurent Favier, the Consul General of France in Lagos, who represented Macron.
Wigwe played a pivotal role in strengthening business ties between the two nations as President of the France-Nigeria Business Council from 2023 to 2024. “The best tribute we can pay to him is indeed to keep his legacy alive,” Favier said.
A Legacy Remembered
Sunday’s remembrance service brought together family members, corporate leaders, and dignitaries from various sectors, all united in honoring the late banker’s contributions. As Nigeria continues to reflect on Wigwe’s impact, his vision for economic growth, social development, and global partnerships remains a guiding force.
