President Bola Tinubu on Monday described the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Chief Herbert Wigwe, as an excellent and visionary builder of people and institutions.
Tinubu made the remark on Monday during a memorial service in honour of the chief executive officer, his wife, Doreen, and son, Chizi, who all died in February 2024 in a helicopter crash in the U.S.
The event was organised by Access Holdings at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Tinubu was represented by Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy,
The President described Herbert as more than a banker.
“Herbert embodied vision, excellence and generosity. He was deeply committed to uplifting society.
“His impact was felt in the lives he touched, opportunities he created, and hopes he inspired,” Tinubu said.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos said that the state strongly felt Herbert’s absence in the past one year.
The governor described Herbert, also a Co-founder of Access Holdings, as a firm supporter of his administration.
“His absence is deeply felt in Lagos State, as there are projects today that would have progressed faster if he were still with us.
“Herbert made my work easier by mobilising partners and funding for state projects,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said that Herbert lived perpetually in the present and the future.
“He believed in actions, not just words. I saw him transform vision into reality. When others hesitated, he moved. When others saw obstacles, he saw opportunities.
“He truly believed in Nigeria and Africa,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He also said that Herbert was a builder of men and businesses, turning visions into realities.
“Wigwe was a builder of not just businesses but also people, ideas and the future. His death was a reality we never prepared for.”
President Emmanuel Macron of France described Herbert as an exceptional entrepreneur and a friend of France.
“He made significant contributions as Chairman of the Nigeria-France Business Council, strengthening bilateral relationship and friendship between France and Nigeria,” he said.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo highlighted Herbert’s resilience and dedication to partnerships.
Obasanjo said that in spite of his successes, Herbert remained accessible and committed to nurturing relationships.
“He understood that true leadership involves building both institutions and people.
“His legacy is a testament to what Africans can achieve through vision, determination and collaboration,” he said.
