Notable Figures Pay Tribute to Herbert Wigwe (1966 – 2024): Abiodun, Wike, Dangote, Peterside, and More Visit Family

The cloud at that home yesterday was heavy. It could be cut with a long knife.

There was pin-drop silence. The guests and the hosts remained seated, staring blank.

That was the situation yesterday at the home of Pa Shyngle Wigwe and his wife, Madam Stella, parents of the late Chief Executive of Access Holdings Group, Herbert Wigwe.

Herbert, his wife Doreen, son Chizi, and family friend Abimbola Ogunbanjo were killed in a helicopter crash on Friday night in California, United States.

Associates and friends, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, business mogul Aliko Dangote, top bankers Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Atedo Peterside, joined the family in wailing over the tragedy. Sitting face-to-face with Herbert’s parents, how did they console them? How did they go about it? Where did they start? How did they pacify the nonagenarian ? What did they tell the old woman?

The eminent banker had a vision. He had worked hard and achieved fame. He was a towering figure in his profession. He had shone like a star. He left indelible marks.

The chief executive of Access Holdings, had unfulfilled dreams. He left at the prime of life. His death was a great loss to banking, innovation, investment and philanthropy.

The deceased left behind aged parents – Pa Wigwe, a retired Director-General of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church; and Madam Stella, a retired nurse.

They have seen it all in life as accomplished Nigerians in their respective careers. But, what mattered to the patriarch and matriarch of Wigwe family at the twilight of life was their son.

He was their pride. But, he was also a national asset, who had more years of exploits ahead of him before the tragic night.

In him the parents found the ultimate fulfilment of parenthood and elevation into the prestigious class of actualisers in the long race of life.