Herbert Wigwe: Biography, Cause Of Death, Career, Net Worth & More

Yesterday, Monday, February 10, 2024, Nigerians received with shock on the news of the demise of the CEO of Access Holdings, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son and 3 others who died in a chopper crashed in California.

This piece delves into the life, career, and untimely passing of Wigwe, tracing his journey from vibrant stages to the somber announcement.

Early Life and Education

Herbert Wigwe, born on August 15, 1966, hails from Omueke Isiokpo in Rivers State, where his parents, of Ikwerre descent, raised him alongside his three sisters—Joyce, Peggy, and Stella—and his brother Emeka. His educational journey began at St. Gregory’s College in Lagos, where he completed his secondary education.

Subsequently, he pursued higher studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, graduating with a degree in accountancy in 1987.

Expanding his academic horizons, Wigwe pursued postgraduate studies, earning a master’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor University) in 1989. He then deepened his expertise with another master’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of London in 1990.

Committed to continuous learning and professional development, he also participated in the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program in 2006.
Wigwe’s dedication to his field earned him esteemed accolades and memberships. He attained fellowship status with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and The Institute of Credit Administration.

Additionally, he was recognized as an Honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. His contributions to the nation’s economic landscape were further acknowledged with the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Career and Achievements

Throughout his career, Herbert Wigwe has not only made significant contributions to the banking sector but has also been a prominent figure in Nigeria and across Africa. His efforts have garnered him numerous prestigious awards and honors, including the African Banker of the Year in 2016, the BusinessDay CEO of the Year in 2017, the Forbes Best of Africa Award in 2020, the African Leadership Magazine African Business Leader Award in 2020, and the Leadership Newspaper Business Person of the Year in 2020.

Beyond his professional achievements, Wigwe is deeply committed to giving back to society and supporting various causes aimed at uplifting communities. In 2018, he established the Herbert Wigwe Foundation, a platform dedicated to providing scholarships, mentorship, and empowerment opportunities to young Nigerians, thereby fostering their personal and professional development.

Additionally, Wigwe extends his philanthropic efforts to organizations such as the How Foundation, which focuses on delivering free malaria treatment and prevention services to children and pregnant women, and the Slum2School initiative, which endeavors to offer quality education to children living in slum areas.

Recognizing the pivotal role of women in society, Wigwe is a staunch supporter of initiatives promoting women’s empowerment. He actively backs the W Initiative, an Access Bank-led program that provides financial and non-financial services tailored to the needs of women, thereby enabling them to thrive economically and socially. Furthermore, he champions initiatives aimed at nurturing talent and creativity within the arts sector, such as the Access Bank Art X Prize, which seeks to showcase and uplift emerging artists in Nigeria.

Wigwe’s philanthropic endeavors underscore his unwavering commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges and fostering sustainable development across various sectors. By investing in education, health, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability, he strives to create lasting positive impact and empower individuals to realize their full potential. His dedication to social responsibility serves as a beacon of inspiration, inspiring others to join in the collective effort to build a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Family and Personal Life

Herbert Wigwe, a man of many facets, was not only a prominent figure in the business world but also a devoted family man with a deep-rooted faith. Married to Chizoba Wigwe (nee Nwuba), a lawyer and entrepreneur, they shared a family bond enriched by their four children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah, and David. His commitment to his family was evident in the quality time he devoted to them, cherishing every moment spent together.

Faith played a central role in Wigwe’s life, as he embraced Christian values and was an active member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Within the church community, he served not only as a congregant but also as a pastor and mentor, guiding and uplifting those around him through his unwavering belief in God.

Beyond his familial and spiritual pursuits, Wigwe cultivated diverse interests that enriched his life. An avid reader, he delved into books spanning various genres, including history, biographies, leadership, and spirituality, seeking knowledge and inspiration. Additionally, he found joy and relaxation in sports, particularly football, golf, and tennis, with a steadfast loyalty to Arsenal FC and fervent support for the Nigerian national team.

Wigwe’s engagement extended beyond his personal sphere to the digital realm, where he maintained an active presence on social media platforms. With over 300,000 followers on Instagram (@herbertwigwe), he shared his insights, opinions, and experiences, offering glimpses into his professional endeavors, family life, travels, and hobbies. Through his online presence, he fostered connections, imparted wisdom, and engaged with a diverse audience, leaving a lasting impact beyond the confines of his immediate circle.

Net Worth

Through his ventures in banking and investment, Herbert Wigwe has accumulated significant wealth, although the precise details of his net worth remain undisclosed to the public. Estimates suggest that his fortune approximates $65.2 million, positioning him as one of the wealthiest bankers on the African continent. His financial success underscores his prominence and respect within the financial sector, solidifying his reputation as a notable figure in the industry.

Cause of Death

Reports emerging from the United States suggest that Herbert Wigwe, the CEO of Access Holdings Plc, may have been implicated in a tragic helicopter incident near the California-Nevada border.

According to unverified sources, the helicopter incident occurred on the night of Friday, February 10, 2024, in close proximity to a city situated between the two states. Tragically, it is alleged that among the passengers onboard were Herbert Wigwe’s wife and son, along with five others, all of whom purportedly perished in the accident.

The helicopter, purportedly en route to Las Vegas, encountered the fatal incident, adding to the gravity of the situation. However, it’s important to note that the veracity of these claims is yet to be confirmed.

As of now, efforts are underway to ascertain the accuracy of the information surrounding this distressing event. Additional details remain pending, and we are committed to providing updates as soon as they become available.

In light of these developing circumstances, our foremost priority is to establish the authenticity of the reported incident and gather comprehensive information. We recognize the significance of this matter and extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by this tragedy. Rest assured, we are diligently monitoring the situation and will continue to keep you informed as the situation unfolds.