It is simply because of how Herbert Wigwe early on in his banking career took on other people’s lives and enabled them to achieve greatness, this is the reason the Vice President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima thought the late banker bloomed long before his co-travellers.

Ever since the late Wigwe, in February, died in a helicopter crash in the United States alongside his wife and their son, policymakers have been feeling the loss. It was evident that the deceased’s bright ideas would be missed as Nigeria rides up a difficult economic slope.

Leading as the chief national mourner on a Wednesday night of tribute at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, the Vice President thought Herbert left us in winter before the season of bloom. In the next four days of commenting, an outing service will be held in Herbert Wigwe’s home state of Rivers.

Although he would forever live in the hearts of Nigerians, the outing service on Sunday, 10 March would mark the final act of the week-long celebration of the late Access Bank CEO’s professional excellence.

Spring was just about to arrive at his last location, the United States when the Lord called for him. Spring is not the symbol of Herbert’s bloom; his journey was defined by peculiar seasons. He bloomed long before his co-travellers.

This spring, for us, isn’t the season of festive flowers; it’s the season of wreaths. This spring, for us, isn’t a season of tears; it’s a celebration of Herbert’s flight to a height that only a few of God’s chosen ones have attained.

I feel privileged to be here today to share in the memories of Hebert and the pillars of his hope that left with him.

When President Bola Tinubu around late February set up an economic advisory committee he inaugurated at the presidential suite, most certainly the late Wigwe would have been there just like his brilliant peers from the private sector.

ALSO READ: Africa’s richest man couldn’t hold back tears at special Herbert Wigwe evening

This is because, as the vice president puts it, the deceased was a sanctuary of inspiration for his friends, a source of solace for his family, a nourishing hope for his community, a symbol of pride for Nigeria and a beacon of hope for Africa.

FG Pays Glowing Tribute To Late Banking Titan, Herbert Wigwe, Family*

He bloomed long before his co travellers- VP Shettima#StateHousePressRelease pic.twitter.com/QOPrmzh23f

— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) March 7, 2024

So impactful was Herbert Wigwe that Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote named a major road leading to his petrochemical refinery after him.

Bad weather had tragically hampered the banker’s helicopter ride to the 2024 Super Bowl LVIII which was to be held within 24 hours of his death on 10 February. He was reported dead in Lipton County of California alongside his wife Doreen Chizoba Wigwe, and their son Chizi Wigwe.

Rounding up the tribute now is Vice President Shettima sending love to the deceased’s family on behalf of my principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Access family, the banking world, [and the] Nigerian nation, please accept our most heartfelt condolences, may his soul rest in eternal peace, Amen.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.