Former U.S. President, Bill Clinton, President Bola Tinubu, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, France President, Emmanuel Macron, governors and business leaders were among those who joined family and friends yesterday to pay tribute to the CEO of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe.

Dignitaries, which also included Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; CEO, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; president of African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; Ogun State governor, Dapo Abidun; Wigwe’s business associate, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, gathered at Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos to celebrate Wigwe, who lost his life in a helicopter accident on February 9, 2024 along with five others including his wife, Chizoba and son, Chizzy in California, United States.

In his tribute, Clinton said: “I deeply admired Herbert’s commitment to widening the circle of opportunity for young people in Nigeria, and supporting humanitarian work around the world.

“Though words cannot ease the pain of such a tragic loss, I hope you will find comfort in each other’s love and support during this difficult time.”

On his part, Obasanjo said: “I see myself as bereaved in this circumstances, as you very well know my personal relationship with Herbert and the family from our time in the Army in Kaduna in 1960. I discovered and came to admire a number of Herbert’s personal traits in the time I knew him. In 57 years of fulfilment and uncommon accomplishment, Herbert made an extraordinary success of his life, becoming one of our nation’s formost entrepreneurs and businessman who had expanded his already and inspiring horizon and inspired an entire generation of confident Nigerians.”

In his tribute, Dangote said: “I stand here today with the sense of profound loss and the feeling of utter helplessness. I feel helpless because I could not prevent the tragedy that befell my brother, mentee and loyal friend, Herbert, his beloved wife, Chizoba and his son, Chizzy.

“Wigwe was a visionary role model and a perfectionist who gave so much of himself. Though he is no longer with us but his transformative stride are seen all over our economic landscape and all over the world. Many people, including his family members, friends and associates have said a lot about a man who broke all records and pushed boundaries and shaped the entire sectors. His legacy in philanthropy will never be forgotten.

“I remember his long friendship, undivided loyalty and his zest for life among other attributes. He was a pillar of strength and support to me, my family and our businesses. He was not afraid to go all out to help me and tie the several knot that came up as our organisation grew and flourish. He was proud to be part of my success story and I am proud to name him my devoted friend, mentee and brother.

“Herbert wife’s counsel and relentless support was central to the growth of our organization, the Dangote group. My family and I will forever cherish his warm friendship and heart of cares. It is really difficult to find another Herbert. I owe him a debt of gratitude.

“Herbert never joined the military line but he could be refer to as a soldier of courage and distinction. But the Incredible courage he exemplified in overcoming adversary and the discipline he manifested in achieving by various standard was also of great significance.

“To immortalise my beloved friend, brother and mentee, I have decided to name our major refinery and petrochemical road out of the 120 kilometer road, the biggest road will be named Herbert Wigwe.”

Sanwo-Olu said: “I knew Herbert Wigwe about 34 years ago with his old school friend, Kayode Ayeni.

“I became the governor of Lagos State and our brotherly friendship blossom further. Herbert was one of the first people that supported my ambition generously and I promised that I would not disappoint him that I will work and come back to represent the friendship we all have and he told me to count him in.

“COVID-19 gave us another history; himself, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Aig and others rose up that the disease would not ravage us. Herbert was supportive of our government, our country and led from the front in the difficult time of COVID, he inspires, encouraged and stood with us.

“On a personal note, Herbert did not only took me as a brother, my son worked with him in one of his offshore companies, he’s the highest donour of my wife’s women conference and he has been the major supporter of my daughter who is trying to catchup in real estate. I have indeed lost a big friend.

“He was born in Lagos Island and we will do something with that name in Lagos Island and Lagos will not forget Herbert Wigwe.” (The Guardian)

•PHOTO: Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso (left); Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, Coronation Group, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, his wife, Ofovwe; daughter of the late Herbert Wigwe; Tochi; son, David and Hannah during the Celebration of Professional Excellence in honour of Wigwe in Lagos, yesterday.

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