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Access Holdings Plc has announced the appointment of Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, following the tragic passing of Herbert Wigwe, the former Group CEO. Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife, son, and a former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, lost their lives in a helicopter accident in California on February 9, 2024.

The decision to appoint Bolaji Agbede was made by the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc. This appointment comes after a statement released by the company’s secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, which stated, “Further to its announcement dated February 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has today announced the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group CEO of the Company following the unfortunate demise of its former Group CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024.”

Bolaji Agbede brings a wealth of experience to her new role, with nearly three decades of professional experience in banking and business consultancy services. She joined Access Bank in 2003 and has since held various roles within the organization. Until her recent appointment, she served as the Company’s most senior founding Executive Director in charge of Business Support.

Ms. Agbede’s professional journey began in 1992 at Guaranty Trust Bank, where she worked in various capacities within the Commercial Banking and Operations functions, eventually rising to the position of Manager in 2001. She later served as the Chief Executive Officer of JKG Limited, a business consulting outfit, before returning to the banking sector.

Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos (1990) and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Canfield University, UK, in 2002. Additionally, she is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

Despite her extensive experience and qualifications, Ms. Agbede’s appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria, as per regulatory requirements.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Bank Group, Herbert Wigwe, is reportedly feared dead after a tragic helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, United States. The incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, has shocked both the financial and local communities. Details indicate that Wigwe, along with his wife and son, were passengers on the ill-fated flight.

According to reports from The Will and New York Times, the crash involved a Eurocopter EC130 helicopter, which went down around 10 p.m. local time near Nipton, California. Despite rescue efforts, authorities have not yet located any survivors. The exact departure point and destination of the helicopter remain unclear.

Efforts to obtain comments from Access Holdings regarding the incident have been unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Furthermore, attempts to reach the Head of Media Relations, Kunle Aderinokun, and other media team members have also proved fruitless.

However, the Rivers State Government has confirmed the tragic news, emphasizing the profound loss to both the business sector and the state. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, described the incident as shocking and expressed condolences for the loss of Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son.

Johnson, speaking to a correspondent, conveyed the gravity of the situation, highlighting the impact of Wigwe’s death on multiple sectors and expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the entire family.

Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe CFR (15 August 1966 – 9 February 2024) was a highly respected figure in the Nigerian banking and business landscape. He held the esteemed position of CEO of Access Bank Plc, known as Access Corporation in trading circles. Wigwe’s tenure as the Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank plc spanned from January 2014 to April 2022, during which he successfully navigated the bank through various economic and industry challenges.

Wigwe’s professional accomplishments were matched by his personal life. He shared a life with his beloved wife, Chizoba Wigwe (née Nwuba), and together they raised four children, creating a strong family unit despite the demands of his career.

Tragically, Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe’s life was cut short in a devastating accident. On 10th February 2024, he, along with five other individuals, including his wife and one of his sons, perished in a helicopter crash near Nipton, California. Among the other victims was Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc. The identities of the remaining two victims remain unknown, adding to the sorrow and mystery surrounding the tragic event. The sudden loss of Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe and the others aboard the Eurocopter EC130 sent shockwaves through the Nigerian business community and beyond, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, innovation, and family devotion.

Access Bank Appoints Bolaji Agbede As Acting CEO

ACCESS Bank Group CEO, Herbert Wigwe dies in helicopter crash