Lagos City Marathon to honour Wigwe’s resilience

By Grace Alegba

Lagos, Feb. 13, 2025

Access Bank Holdings says its 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, scheduled for Feb. 15, will combine excitement with emotion to honour the memory of late Herbert Wigwe’s resilience.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Wigwe, the late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, died in a helicopter crash on Feb. 10, 2024 in the United States of America.

He died in the crash with his wife and son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.

The bank, in a statement on Thursday, said that the 2025 edition of the Marathon is much more than a race, adding,” it is a moving tribute to legacy and a celebration of Wigwe’s resilience”.

It said that the theme, “Miles to Memories”, means that every stride by runners would transform physical distance into lasting recollections, blending athletic endurance with heartfelt remembrance of the visionary leader.

It said the marathon carries added emotional significance as it marks the first anniversary of the passing of Wigwe who was the transformative force behind the event.

It said that in spite of the deep sense of loss, Wigwe’s legacy continued to inspire and helped the bank to continue its sponsorship of the marathon.

“It suggests that every mile covered is imbued with personal and collective memories, reminders of challenges overcome, of unity celebrated, and of hope nurtured for a better future” it noted.

The bank said the race is a chance to commemorate Wigwe’s visionary leadership which transformed Access Bank and also reshaped the sporting landscape of Lagos.

According to the bank, Wigwe’s enduring commitment to community development, healthy living, and economic empowerment continues to serve as a beacon for all who aspire to make a positive impact.

“Each runner’s journey on the race day acts as a bridge between the past and future, where the physical act of running becomes a metaphor for overcoming adversity and building a hopeful tomorrow.

The event currently attracts over 600,000 registered athletes from 14 countries, establishing itself as one of Africa’s most prestigious road races, placing Lagos on the global sporting map.

It also showcases how major sporting events can drive tourism and stimulate business growth.