Dignitaries, guests and hundreds of mourners have started arriving at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State for the funeral service for the former Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizi.

Among them are the governors of Bayelsa and River states, Senator Douye Diri, and Siminalayi Fubara, both of whom have arrived at the venue for the funeral service.

A former Nigerian Ambassador to Scandinavian countries, Dr Godknows Igali, also arrived in the company of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

Also, members of the clergy, traditional rulers from the Omoeke, Wigwe’s hometown and monarchs from Isiokpo, in general, are already seated.

The state commissioner of police, Olatunji Disu, led security men to the venue.

As envisaged, the Port Harcourt International Airport has become a beehive of activity. A credible source at the airport confided that more than 50 private and commercial jets are expected to land at the airport for today’s burial.

The source disclosed further that if the capacity of the local wing could not contain the visiting jets, some of them would be directed to the international wing. “There is a standing instruction from the minister that everything should be done to avoid possible chaos throughout the burial. We expect more than 50 private and commercial jets tomorrow (today).

“We are expecting a massive crowd from within and outside the country to attend the burial. He was a popular man. That is why we are doing everything possible to ensure a smooth event devoid of stampede or any form of security risk”, the source said.

Wigwe, his wife, son, and a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, died on February 9, 2024, in a helicopter crash that occurred near a border town between California and Nevada, United States.

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