Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife, son, and former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the United States on February 9, 2024. The ill-fated crash also claimed the lives of two crew members.
Weeks after this devastating air mishap, luminaries from various spheres, including distinguished businessmen, governors, and government officials, gathered in Lagos to commemorate Wigwe's enduring legacy. Notable figures present included Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group; Yemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos; and Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State. The Chairman and Vice Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh and Shola Momoh, respectively, were also in attendance.
Leading the tributes was Aliko Dangote, who, with tears in his eyes, described Wigwe as not just a colleague but a brother and friend. Dangote acknowledged Wigwe's unwavering support for him and his family, expressing his deep emotional connection to the late CEO. In a touching gesture, Dangote renamed the road leading to the Dangote Refinery after Herbert Wigwe, a testament to the indelible mark he left on the business magnate's life.
Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos paid tribute to Wigwe's embodiment of the true spirit of Lagos State, emphasizing that the commercial hub of Nigeria would forever remember him. Sanwo-Olu praised Wigwe as a "completely detribalized" individual, reflecting the diverse and inclusive nature of Lagos.
The tributes continued with heartfelt messages from Yemi Cardoso and Wale Edun, both of whom highlighted Wigwe's substantial contributions to the nation's economy. Edun recalled Wigwe's innovative thinking and described him as a person full of ideas. Cardoso, expressing the profound loss felt by Wigwe's passing, acknowledged his significant impact on the business landscape.
Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, added his voice to the chorus of praises, celebrating Wigwe's ingenuity. Adesina remarked that "everything he touched turned into gold," underscoring the late CEO's remarkable ability to turn ideas into successful ventures.
As the tributes unfolded, it became evident that Herbert Wigwe was not merely a businessman but a visionary leader whose influence extended beyond the corporate world. His legacy, marked by innovation, support, and detribalized leadership, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the impact one individual can have on a community, industry, and nation, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends time.
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