Aig-Imoukhuede, Barbados Prime Minister, others honour Wigwe’s memory 

Lagos, Feb. 10, 2025

Chairman, Access Holdings Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, has described his relationship with his  late friend and business partner, Dr Herbert Wigwe, as “sweet” and built on deep trust.

Speaking at the one-year memorial service for Wigwe, his wife, and son in Lagos, Aig-Imoukhuede emphasised that their relationship transcended business.

“We were bonded by trust. Real and true trust, was something that we were both privileged to share,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Wigwe, along with his wife Doreen, son Chizi, and a friend, Mr Abimbola Ogunbanjo, Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, and two crew members, died in a helicopter crash in U.S. on Feb. 9, 2024.

Wigwe and Aig-Imoukhuede, his longtime business partner and friend, acquired Access Bank in 2002.

He narrated stories of close bond with the deceased and how the relationship extended between their family members.

“We shared the most intense relationship. A relationship that was indeed, I can only use the word, sweet.

“Sweet in good times, sweet in bad times, sweet in celebration, sweet at moments of despair. At all times, we were there for each other. Not sometimes, at all times,” he recalled.

He clarified that his tribute wasn’t solely about their remarkable business success.

“People speak about our partnership in terms of commercial or enterprise success, but the tribute I make to Herbert today is not that.

“Together, we enjoyed probably Africa’s most successful partnership in business. That’s not the tribute.

“The tribute I pay to Herbert today is that we were able to entrust each other with the things that were most important to us.

“He knew, just as I know, my most important secrets,” Aig-Imoukhuede revealed.

He pledged his support to Wigwe’s children and family.

Also, the first female Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, while delivering a keynote memorial, shared the endearing nature of Wigwe and his impact on her country.

Mottley shared personal memories of Wigwe and highlighted his love for arts.

“I believe that Herbert is enough to ensure that this legacy will live on.

“The testimonies that we have heard this evening and the passion that we have heard from others will truly ensure that that his legacy lives on.

“I say to you from my part in the Caribbean, in Barbados, that linkage ironically between those of Rivers State and my own country will find its way of also living on,” she said.

Wigwe’s brother, Uche, his son David, his daughter, Tochi and other family members, friends of his late wife and those of his late son took turns to pay tributes.

Meanwhile, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Senior Pastor of Trinity House, called for forgiveness among people, emphasising the power of peace and harmony.

He also paid his tribute and later prayed for Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, committing them unto Gods hands.

Similarly, Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna shared how the Access Bank family were able to wriggle through the painful moment of Wigwe’s demise in 2024.

He recalled Wigwe’s strengths and quality moments that the Access colleagues still cherished.