Tinubu said he received with shock and deep distress the news of the passing of Wigwe and Ogunbanjo.
President Tinubu described their passing as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”
“The President condoles with the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by this harrowing incident.
“President Tinubu prays for the peaceful repose of the departed and asks God Almighty to comfort the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonizing moment.”
Wigwe, his wife, son were part of the six persons onboard the ill-fated aircraft.
Their sudden death led to an outpouring of grief shocks and tributes from many Nigerians.
The chopper, identified as a Eurocopter EC 130, was headed to Las Vegas when it crashed last Friday night near Nipton, between Nevada and California.
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which confirmed the incident in a statement, said that all onboard are dead.
Atiku, Obi, Okonjo-Iweala, Otedola Mourn Wigwe, Other Helicopter Crash Victims
He wrote, “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, and his family. Indeed, Herbert Wigwe, consummate banker, education promoter, and philanthropist, numbered his days. On behalf of my family, my heart goes out to their loved ones and everyone affected by this unfortunate incident. May their souls rest in peace.”
Okonjo-Iweala, in a post on X, wrote, “Terribly saddened by the news of the terrible loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO Access Bank, his wife and son as well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash.
“My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Group employees and Management and my younger brother, Herbert’s partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
Obi also described Wigwe’s death as a profound loss across the nation.
Obi wrote, “I’m deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of my dear friend, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings, along with his wife and son, and another close friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former group chairman of NGX Group. This loss is profoundly felt across the nation. I first met Herbert during his early days, on the brink of starting his marital journey.”
Billionaire Femi Otedola said he is shocked to hear about the death of Wigwe, his wife and son.
“I am shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of a banking genius Herbert Wigwe, his dear wife Chizoba and first son Chizi.
“Exactly two weeks ago Herbie and his wife hosted myself and Aliko to dinner at his newly built home in Lagos. I will cherish and fondly remember my memories of time spent together with him over the years.”
“Herbie, we will all miss you. Your legacy will live on forever.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his children Tochi, Hannah and David. I pray God comforts them during this tragic time.
“May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace…,” he said.
Uzodimma, Uba, Otu, Soludo, Fubara Mourn Wigwes, Ogunbanjo
Among them are the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani; his Cross River State counterpart, Bassey Otu; the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo; and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Uzodimma, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku, expressed deep shock over the unfortunate fatal plane crash involving the Chief Executive Officer/ Group Managing Director of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba, his son, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two others.
Uzodimma said the death of the Wigwes and Chief Ogunbanjo becomes more devastating given his close relationship with both families.
The governor said he will miss the deceased sorely and prayed God to grant their families, friends and associates the grace to bear the huge loss.
Sani, in a statement, said he received with shock and deep sense of loss the news of the passing of Wigwe who was one of the state’s development partners.
He said, “Nigeria has lost one of its most innovative and creative entrepreneurs. He not only led Access Bank to become a global brand, he developed Access Corporation into a veritable vehicle for addressing developmental challenges.”
Also, Otu, in a statement on Sunday, described Wigwe’s death as a huge blow to the banking and financial sector not just in Nigeria but across Africa and the world.
He said, “I received with utmost shock and sadness the tragic death of one of Nigeria’s sterling banker and business icon, Dr. Herbert Wigwe alongside his wife, son and others aboard a helicopter in the United States. This a huge blow to the banking and financial sector not just in Nigeria, but across Africa and the world.
“Dr. Wigwe was a shining example of industry, brinkmanship and dedication to all of humanity. Dying at a time when he is pioneering world class education through his Wigwe University is a devastating loss to this lofty dream and all who hoped on him. My deepest condolences to his family, his community, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc., his friends and associates.
“As painful as this death is, Dr. Wigwe will be remembered for the impactful life he lived and his unflinching dedication to excellence. May God rest the souls of all those in that tragic crash. Amen.”
Soludo, in his condolence message, described the late Group CEO Wigwe as a pillar of the Nigerian business community, a champion for economic development, an avid educationist and a true visionary who consistently pushed boundaries for growth and development.
“As a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Governor Soludo had the privilege of witnessing firsthand Mr. Wigwe’s innovative approach to banking and his instrumental role during the Bank Consolidation in driving the growth and expansion of Access Bank, both within Nigeria and internationally.
“His leadership extended far beyond Access Bank. Mr. Wigwe was a pillar of the Nigerian business community, a champion for economic development, an avid educationist and a true visionary who consistently pushed boundaries for growth and development
“His contributions to the banking sector, and to Nigeria as a whole, will be long remembered. Mr. Wigwe’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the institutions he built, such as the Wigwe University, and the inspiration he provided to generations of youth, aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders,” the statement read.
Fubara, in a statement on Sunday, said “there are no words to convey how terrible these losses are, and the state and indeed Nigeria will miss an unassuming, iconic and accomplished illustrious son of Isiokpo in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State”.
He said, “The state and the nation as a whole are in tears because it would be extremely difficult to understand this sweeping loss of a family involving a strong pillar, accomplished banker and philanthropist with tentacles in the education sector”, the Governor said, noting that the prestigious Wigwe University which he pioneered must not be allowed to die.”
Source: Channels Television with additional report from ArmadaNews reporter
Image: Getty Images