Governor Similayi Fubara of Rivers State, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, along with other dignitaries, expressed their condolences to the family of the late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, on Friday.
Wigwe, his wife Doreen, his son Chizi, and former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Abimola Ogunbanjo, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in California, United States, last Friday.
The United States National Transportation Safety Board investigators have initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the crash. The wreckage and other evidence have been taken to a laboratory for thorough examination and analysis.
Since the accident, numerous dignitaries from both the public and private sectors have visited the Wigwe family to offer their condolences.
Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, and his wife, Onari; former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Oceanic Bank, Cecilia Ibru; and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Reverend Stephen Adegbite, were among those who paid their respects to the bereaved family on Friday.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, along with the new Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, also visited the family.
Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant (Media and Communications) to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, mentioned a meeting between Wigwe and the minister on Tuesday, February 6, during which they discussed a deal to enhance Access Bank's visibility at the airport in exchange for infrastructure improvements.
On the condolence register, the Rivers State governor expressed deep sorrow for the loss, while the Akwa Ibom governor highlighted Herbert's positive impact on the world and wished for strength for his family.
Keyamo emphasized that the dreams they shared with Herbert would endure, despite his untimely departure.
Governor Otti reflected on the biblical perspective of gratitude amidst loss, while Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku described Herbert as a man of dreams and expressed sadness at his passing, recalling their recent meeting and expressing acceptance of God's will.