Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe was an excellent Nigerian banker that transcended what just any banker could offer through the love he has for his country and Africa. His quest for changing history was quite evident in how he was able to lead, nurture and transform others.

The leadership qualities of Herbert Wigwe stems from his upbringing — he was a very vibrant child; he knew what he wanted to do with his life — which he embraced till the very end. Wigwe was not just a banker as mentioned earlier, he had taste for art, education, sport and fashion — which he excellently demonstrated throughout his lifetime.

This article will discuss eight outstanding leadership qualities Herbert Wigwe portrayed during his lifetime.

1. Visionary Leadership

Herbert knew what he wanted from the beginning of his career. He was lucky to be surrounded by great minds that believed and gave him the opportunity to serve. Right from childhood, he wanted to be an accountant which he successfully studied. Herbert started his career at Coopers & Lybrand, and then moved to Guaranty Trust Bank where he worked for over a decade.

It was actually at GT Bank he started nursing a dream bigger and better than his current position at the bank. Herbert and his business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede conceived the idea of transforming a small bank then called “Access Bank”. Herbert was very grateful and proud of the years he spent in his former bank and how it helped to shape him and Aig in running a successful bank. In an interview with Arise News reporter Ojy Okpe, the late visionary banker had this to say;

“One of the greatest opportunity is the things that happened to us is to be blessed with great leaders; very strong ethical leaders and mentors that was, Fola Adeola and Tayo Aderinokun. Young as we were in our very early 20s, they gave us a plain piece paper to run a bank. I mean, it was unheard of and they empowered us and let us do what we wanted to do. It created the foundation for everything that we’ve done. You’re always a functions of people you meet, the values that you see and all of that. They instilled in us most of the values we’ve had in terms of running a bank and how we see our vision for whatever institution we had.

“Aig went to Harvard on a programme; a very interesting programme because that programme gives you enough time to reflect on your future and all, and he was there for what was about three months. He came back and I was going on the same programme a few weeks after but just before then, we were watching the institution grow and we told ourselves can we create another AOC of sanity in the country; can we replicate what is here but a bit different and we were just thinking about it.

“So, just before I was about leaving for my programme, he said, I think we should do it and I said, he didn’t take me one second and I said “all for it”. So, when I went on that programme which was a three months programme and of course everyday the only thing I thought of doing was how were we going to do this. Let me tell you what that programme does for you; you also met young people about your age who are doing the same thing internationally. So, you’re in class and asking; wait a minute, this person at least as good as this person is, or even better, why won’t I do the same thing where I come from. So, a lot of introspection in three months actually creates and builds that bubble within you and so when I can back, we just said let’s go ahead and do this thing. Now, obviously, the next question people would ask is, was there a fear of failure; you know the truth or never occurred to us at any point in time it was not going to work.”

2. Fearlessness

One of Herbert’s mantra till death was “fearless”. In all his undertakings throughout his life, one of the things he portrayed and tried to instill in others is this word, fearless! In the midst of presentation, tutoring young leaders, meeting with colleagues, friends and staff; he always emphasized the importance and greatness in being fearless.

To Herbert Wigwe, it is more like a foundation towards attaining any dream, height in life. You just have to be bold and conquer your fear. It is just one of the qualities he thinks a man should have if he wants to lead and be successful in life.

Herbert once said; “I will tell you something about being fearless, that powerful state of mind where you refuse to be constrained by the consciousness of your limitations; focusing on the choice of winning rather than the fear of losing. Many years ago at Coopers & Lybrand, I could not have foreseen the great future that is now Access Corporation; but education from formal institutions and from the University of Life instilled in me all that required. Each rung of the ladder of success with the mistakes and joys and sometimes pain, life lessons that have showed me why and how to impact lives and generations. I’m a man on a quest to touch lives and rewrite the history of Nigeria and Africa. My name is Herbert Wigwe and I am fearless.”

3. Nurturing Talent

Herbert was a man that understood what supporting and encouraging youngsters can breed for the society, country and the whole of Africa. He never for once doubted the ability of Nigerians and the African continent. He was all for good. He invested heavily in different development programmes for children both in the education and skills acquisition programme. In one of the meetings he had with students mostly teenagers, he said;

“Don’t allow your circumstance or what you see around you today to ever determine your future. Keep your values intact because you have chosen to go to school. You’ll be different from those who have chosen not to go to school and you’ll see it more and more. You have younger brothers and sisters, bring them out; let them go to school — that is how to change the family. You should work with people who aspire to do well.”

Herbert Wigwe was a lover of the art. He supported and organized different programmes in support of talented artists. At Lagos Art X, (a platform used in promoting visual art).

Herbert said;

“We must continue to engage irrespective of how we are in Nigeria, Africa and the continent, and I’ll tell you why we do it, we do it to support young talented Nigerians and Africans to be the very best that they can be. By choosing and supporting the arts, we will generate export, we will show the very best that Africa truly has; we have a very strong voice, the world must hear us. The more we can share our history, our culture and where we come from, the better it will be and the more respect we will get internationally.”

4. Respect

Herbert treated everyone with utmost respect. He doesn’t relate with people based on what they have or don’t have. Almost everyone around him has something to say about his humility and kindness. He respected people’s decisions and always supported them with kind words. He admired, acknowledged the strength of others as well as embracing them with care. It is something very noticeable through his smile and affection.

5. Relentless Learner

Wigwe never stopped learning; he had mentors and mentees he could draw knowledge and experience from. He was always willing to share his ideas with others and see how they could work together. Learning is just one of the paramount leadership qualities you must have — because you’re a leader doesn’t mean you know everything on earth. You must subject yourself to learning. Herbert was just like this!

Academically, he pursued trainings, masters just to improve himself and for the benefits of his mentees. The Senate President of Nigeria, Godswill Akpabio described Herbert at his funeral as a great mentor that taught a lot of younger generations and as well, a role model to those coming behind. Aliko Dangote described him as his brother, mentee and friend. He also praised Herbert for being instrumental to the success of his businesses.

6. Selflessness

Herbert gave it all. He was very intentional about his steppings. Despite his busy schedule, he was very generous and selfless to humanity. Many people recounted how he contributed to their growth, success in life during his funeral. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former Emir of Kano, narrated how Herbert took care of him and his family when he was dethroned; how he made life comfortable for him and his family.

To Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the former Vice President of Nigeria, Herbert never requested anything from him but at the end of his tenure, Herbert came to him to know his plan after leaving office; he was ready to help him settle into private life again which subsequently followed up with more meetings.

7. Commitment

This is another leadership quality worthy of emulation about Herbert. He was committed to his craft till the end; there were numerous plans — things he wanted to share and do with his people and the rest of the world. Wigwe was clear about his mission in the banking sector; he used that channel to build and invest in other areas such as sport, education, fashion, art, entertainment, foundations and different philanthropic and leadership programmes. He trusted, cherished every moment and learning experience required to attain success.

8. Charisma

One you cannot take away from Herbert is his charisma. It is not far-fetched; he was always positive, cheering and friendly. He was someone full of joy; a personality that you’ll just want to know and surround yourself with. His work ethic, selfless giving of himself and time are some of the leadership qualities used in paying tribute to him. He signed deals, collaborated when necessary and was able to navigate through difficult times excellently.

Herbert died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife Chizoba; son, Chizzy; friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo; and two pilots on February 9, 2024 in California, United States of America. (Nigerian Tribune)

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