Herbert Wigwe, the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, along with his wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizi, found their final resting place in his hometown, Omueke, Isiokpo, Rivers State.
A private interment followed a funeral church service, concluding a week-long series of funeral rites honouring the esteemed banking guru, his wife, and son.
The funeral service, attended by mourners from local and international communities, began at 11:00 AM today. Distinguished personalities such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and business leader Aliko Dangote paid their final respects, alongside other notable figures including HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, Gov. Alex Otti, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and State Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu, serving as the Chief Security Officer of the burial ceremony, were also present. Among the attendees were Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Dr. Godknows Igali, a former Nigerian diplomat.
The tragic incident that claimed Herbert, Chizoba, and Chizi Wigwe, along with former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two pilots, occurred on February 9, 2024. The Airbus Helicopter EC 130B4 with registration number N130CZ crashed near Halloran Springs, California. The cause remains unknown, though a preliminary report from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated adverse weather conditions with witnesses describing the chopper as a “fireball.”
Throughout the events leading to Wigwe’s burial, friends, captains of industry, family members, and associates paid heartfelt tributes to the late banking luminary.