One year after his passing, President Bola Tinubu has once more paid tribute to the late banking tycoon Herbert Wigwe. He claimed that Nigeria had lost “a shining star.”
The banker, his wife Chizoba, his son Chizi, and former NSE President Abimbola Ogunbajo, all died in an air accident in the US a year ago.
Tinubu claimed the late business sage had built institutions during the one-year commemoration service for Wigwe that took place on Sunday in Lagos.
“Wigwe was more than a banker. The solemn gathering of distinguished people at the Eko Hotel, led by the Nigerian president who was represented by the Minister of Finance Wale Edun, described him as a “builder of institutions, dreams, and people”.
According to him, through several projects, Wigwe was a major contributor to youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and philanthropy among others.
“But even in our grief, we find solace in the enduring legacy of his work, his values, and the institutions he built. His story is one that reminds us that vision, hard work, and service to humanity are measures of true greatness”, President Tinubu said.
The president extended his condolences to the Wigwe family, Access Holdings, friends, and loved ones the former banker left behind.
“Nigeria has lost a shining star”, Tinubu said, “but the light Wigwe lighted in our nation will never be dimmed”.
READ ALSO: ‘ His Presence Was Larger Than Life, ‘ Sanwo-Olu Pays Tribute To Wigwe One Year After
‘ Indelible Void ‘
At the occasion, Wigwe was also the subject of tributes from the president. Although not present, Olusegun Obasanjo, the country’s former president, paid tribute to the former banker.
Obasanjo said Wigwe’s death has “left an indelible void in our hearts and our nation’s financial landscape”.
The former Access Bank CEO believes “his legacy endures,” even though he is no longer alive.
“Whenever I come across Access Bank today, memories of Herbert Wigwe come flooding”, part of the tribute read.
Despite Wigwe’s status as one of the leading financial giants globally, Obasanjo said “he remained collegial, accessible, and deeply committed to nurturing relationships.
He became aware that developing people was more important than just creating institutions.
He “believed in our work,” he said.
The late banker was “larger than life,” according to the governor of Lagos State, who was also present at the Eko Hotel.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a heartfelt message, said”, A year ago, the world as we knew it, changed forever. In an instant, we lost a man whose presence was larger than life”.
” He, especially believed in our work here in Lagos State. The Lagos State governor said that Herbert helped our government find partners and funding while traveling the world with us.
People in this room are aware of what I’m talking about because Lagos State has felt his absence for the past year very strongly. Some initiatives are moving more quickly than ever, without a doubt. Of course, Herbert being around would have pushed them forward. “
‘ A , Friend of France ‘
Not just from the nation, but also from others. Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, addressed Wigwe with positive words.
The government of France honors an exceptional entrepreneur, friend of the arts, a man who served his country and the public interest, and friend of France, as we remembrance his sudden passing today, according to the Consul General of France in Lagos (Nigeria) Laurent Favier, who represented Macron.
He claimed that Wigwe had a significant influence on boosting Nigeria’s relations with France between 2023 and 2024 as President of the France-Nigeria Business Council.
At the somber ceremony, he said, “The best tribute we can pay to him is in fact to keep his legacy alive.
Source: Channels TV
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