Family members, friends, colleagues and associates of the late former Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Dr Herbert Wigwe, have celebrated his 60th posthumous birthday.

Wigwe, who died on February 9, 2024, would have turned 60 on Saturday (today).

A statement made available to Saturday PUNCH on Friday said Wigwe left behind a legacy spanning banking, education, healthcare and youth development in Nigeria and beyond.

Before his death, Wigwe had risen to become one of Africa’s leading financial executives, widely known for his role in the transformation and expansion of Access Bank.

The statement said, “Beyond banking, he devoted considerable attention and resources to building institutions, supporting young people and creating opportunities for disadvantaged communities.

“To his family, friends and associates, Wigwe was also a mentor and a firm believer in the ability of people to achieve more when given the right opportunities.

“As Co-CEO of Access Bank and later Access Holdings, he played a major role in the growth of the financial institution from a Nigerian bank into a financial services group with operations across several countries.”

According to the statement, Wigwe’s ambition was not simply to build a successful Nigerian bank but to develop an African institution capable of competing with leading financial organisations around the world.

“His influence also extended beyond Access Bank. As Chairman of the Bankers’ Committee, Wigwe participated in discussions on major issues affecting Nigeria’s banking industry and economy.

“He worked with government officials, regulators and other business leaders, believing that the private sector had a responsibility to contribute to national development and help find solutions to the country’s social and economic challenges.

“Wigwe’s belief that business success should make a difference in society was reflected in the establishment of The HOW Foundation in 2016,” the statement added.

It added that through the Foundation, Wigwe supported programmes in education, healthcare, mentorship and youth development.

“Its interventions included educational support for disadvantaged children, programmes in Makoko and for Almajiri children, medical scholarships and specialist oncology training. The Foundation also supported the adoption and rehabilitation of 25 primary healthcare centres in Rivers State.

“One of Wigwe’s most ambitious projects was Wigwe University, which reflected his strong belief in the power of education to transform Africa.

“His commitment to developing a new generation of African leaders also continues through initiatives such as the Fearless Leadership Series and the Wigwe Venture Lab,” it added.

The statement said Wigwe encouraged young Nigerians to think boldly, challenge convention, take responsibility and create solutions.

“As family members, friends, colleagues and associates mark what would have been his 60th birthday, Wigwe’s story remains one of ambition, institution-building, philanthropy and service. His legacy is increasingly being measured not only by what he achieved during his lifetime but also by the institutions he created, the opportunities he provided and the people he inspired,” it added. (PUNCH)