“With Wigwe, nothing was impossible”
…Garlands of tributes as Edun, Abiodun Cardoso, CIBN, professionals hail Wigwe’s fearless ambition
…as Dangote renames road in refinery complex after Wigwe
…Lagos pledges to immortalise Wigwe
With Wigwe, nothing was impossible”. This was the words that echoed right from the first speaker at the night of professional excellence in honour of Late Herbert Wigwe to the last speaker, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank.
Speaking on Monday night, Akinkunmi noted that Access Bank’s reach under Wigwe went even further making it a global conglomerate.
He hailed Herbert for being bold and fearless and together with his partner Aig, they brought the future into the present.
“He was bold, visionary, driven and had an exceptional drive for excellence. Everything he touched turn to gold.”
“Herbert was an investors asset holder and a Bankers banker.”
“Herbert’s favourite words were I am Herbert Wigwe and I am fearless. I am sure Herbert like everyone of us had fears but his courage to overcome the fear made him take the bold decisions he took such as the merger with Diamond Bank.”
Delivering his remarks, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede hailed the children of the late Wigwe for their residence and steadfastness in holding to the faith since the demise of their father.
Describing Wigwe as a partner and brother, he said Herbert lived life as a man on a mission with limited time to complete mission.
“The fierce contemplation of time made him to move as he did to scale heights.”
He noted that he and Wigwe shared a dream of transforming Africa.
“On the day the news of his death broke out, Herbert Wigwe was honoured like no one else has ever been in history. Time stood still for Herbert Wigwe.”
“When Herbert died, hundreds of millions to pause in unison to pause and reflect about this iconic African leader and to understand the full potential of what he was about to do for the world.”
“Time stood still because God wanted the millions of people checking the breaking news around the world to know who Herbert Wigwe is and what the big plans he had,” Aigboje said.
“His demise proved that Africa is still capable of raising good and quality men.”
Colleagues, Professionals praise Wigwe
Recalling his days as a new staff at the renowned account firm of Coopers & Lybrand with the late Wigwe, Senator representing Gombe North, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo hailed Wigwe for being fearless.
He noted that the late Wigwe was a good friend and partner who he had known for over over 20 years.
He noted that Wigwe had a drive that was fearless.
He recalled that at the time he was leaving the accounting firm to join the Central Bank of Nigeria, Wigwe had intimated him of his decision to join the relatively new Guaranty Trust Bank which he considered at the time not a very good decision.
Similarly, the current CEO of Access Bank Ghana, remarked that Wigwe dared to do the impossible.
The CEO recalled instances where Wigwe travelled to India using his personal funds to pursue one of the bank’s debtors.
He also recalled how the Late Wigwe decided to change his vehicles to the same one his bosses at the time were using and ultimately acquiring up his own bank.
Mr. Segun Agbaje, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, one of Africa’s leading banking groups also attested to Wigwe’s fearless ambition.
He noted that Wigwe didn’t just regard him as a competitor but as a brother.
He praised Wigwe for accomplishing numerous feats while they were together in GT Bank which he wouldn’t have dared to embark on at the time.
Dangote eugolizes Wigwe, renames road in refinery complex
Speaking also, President of the Dangote Group with tears in his eyes expressed his grief that he was unable to prevent the demise of the late Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son.
Damgote described the late Wigwe as a mentee, brother and friend who was a perfectionist.
He acknowledged that Wigwe was instrumental to the financing of many of his projects and notably the Dangote refinery.
The African richest man said that his success story cannot be told without mentioning Herbert Wigwe.
“He was a pillar of support to me, my family and my business.”
“Herbert’s wise counsel was central to the growth of the Dangote Group. It is really very difficult difficult find another Herbert. I owe him an eternal debt of gratitude.”
His big push made my foray into the il and gas sector which is now sect
Commenting on his refinery, Dangote said Herbert always told him: “My mentor, we will get there, just hang in there. If I have to give you my life, I will do so.”
“Herbert’s courage was second to none and he was not scared of anything. Herbert and I share a common principle which ja critical to succes in business, preserverance.”
Dangote also revealed that he has decided to immortalise the late Wigwe by renaming the largest road within his refinery and petro-chemicals complex after Herbert Wigwe.
He noted that this is to make sure the name of Wigwe is never forgotten.
Lagos pledges to immortalise Wigwe
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has made a pledge to immortalise the late Wigwe in the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that Wigwe was passionate about nation building and was very supportive of his government.
Sanwo-Olu recalled their long-standing friendship, which began 34 years ago when they were both still struggling.
He praised Wigwe for his timely interventions to partner with the government for the general welfare of the state citizens.
Sanwo-Olu also hailed Wigwe for constantly keeping him accountable and reminding him of the time he had in office to make an impact on the state.
The Governor recalled one of his last interactions with the late Banker as helping to facilitate a one of the kind financing in Cairo, Egypt which will assist the state in financing many of the projects it has set out to achieve.
Sanwo-Olu promised to support the children left behind while acknowledging that the late Wigwe will be sorely missed.
Edun, Abiodun Cardoso, CIBN hail Wigwe’s fearless ambition
In the same vein, Governor of Ogun state, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso and the President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr Ken Opara hailed wigwe for being a fearless and revolutionary banker.
Abiodun praised Herbert’s exceptional qualities, highlighting his hard work, boldness, diligence, compassion, dependability, loyalty, intelligence, and forward-thinking nature.
He also commended Herbert’s unwavering belief in Nigeria and his patriotism.The governor expressed his gratitude to Herbert for believing in him and supporting his dreams, aspirations, and visions.
He credited Herbert for his prompt payment of salaries on his first day in office and for his involvement in various visible infrastructure projects, such as the Gateway International Airport and the Epe-Ijebu Ode expressway.
Edun while speaking recalled his conversations with Wigwe who was passionate on how to make the country’s financial sector grow in leaps and bounds.
Edun remarked that with Wigwe he knew there will always be a solution. The Mi inter acknowledged that he never shared an issue bothering him with Wigwe without him receiving a solution.
Despite the pain, Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy of Nigeria said he found solace in the wonderful life and legacies Wigwe left behind. He described him as a friend, an energetic and fearless young man who had a bright future ahead of him.
According to him, “He was always willing to help, especially when it came to solving financial issues. He was creative in his thinking and full of ideas, and he was also a philanthropist who gave back to his community.”
The CBN Governor also described the late Wigwe as a thoroughbred professional who took Access Bank to enviable heights.
The CIBN President, Dr Ken Opara struggled to find the right words to describe his longtime friend, stating that it is not the length of one’s life that matters, but the impact they leave behind.
Having known Herbert for over 36 years, Opara praised him as a fearless leader, a courageous individual, and a top-notch professional banker.
He highlighted Herbert’s advocacy for change and his ability to provide innovative solutions to problems in the financial sector in Nigeria.Herbert’s legacy, according to Opara, is one that will not be forgotten.
He brought a unique dimension to his work and possessed exemplary skills that set him apart from others in his field.
He also described Wigwe as being exemplary noting that he was the only Bamk CEO to Chair the Body of Bank CEOs for three consecutive terms and also host an event that witnessed 10,000 attendees with two sitting Presidents and a vice president in at
Karl Toriola, the CEO of MTN NIGERIA also acknowledged that he had a strong personal relationship with the late Wigwe.
He praised Wigwe’s sterling qualities and his perspective to life noting that he was a family man.
Ronke Kuye, CEO of SANEF, praised the late Wigwe for his unwavering dedication to promoting employment and the economic benefits of the Art culture.
Kuye, an active member of the working group, emphasized HW’s tireless efforts and his constant reminder that failure was never an option. She described him as an exceptional connector and problem solver, noting that he always had a story to accompany every piece of information.
