Herbert Wigwe: Secrets of his Wealth and the Fate of Access Bank
Herbert Wigwe, a heavy hitter in the financial game, kicked off his grind in Lagos, Nigeria.
Born into a middle-class crew, he demonstrated early business and leadership skills. After wrapping up his Accountancy gig at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the UK, Wigwe joined the banking industry.
In 2002, he co-founded Access Bank, where he hustled his way up with mad moves. Under Wigwe’s lead, Access Bank went through some major changes, linking up with Intercontinental Bank in 2012 and leveling up as one of Nigeria’s top banks.
Sadly, Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, their son Chizi, and former Nigerian Exchange Group Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo went down in a helicopter crash in California on February 9, 2024.
His sudden demise hit the country hard, especially the money game.
Dr. Anthony, a stakeholder, stressed their bond, saying, “He was cool with stakeholders and their crews over the years.”
In a tweet on January 19, Wigwe dropped wisdom, “Life is a precious gift… Let’s keep it real and cherish every moment.”
Ex-Access Bank MD Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede spilled the tea on the stake hustle, facing setbacks but staying on the grind.
In 2014, Wigwe took charge, turning Access Bank into a financial boss and growing it into one of Nigeria’s giants.
As a former consultant, he kicked off at Coopers & Lybrand, Lagos, earning his stripes as a chartered accountant.
In 2016, Wigwe started The HOW Foundation, a non-profit move.
Shoutouts to him being 2016’s Banker of The Year by The Sun and Vanguard newspapers. He also chaired Access Bank Ghana Limited, Access Investment & Securities Limited, and Access Bank (UK) Limited.
In 2018, he steered the Access Bank and Diamond Bank hookup, making Nigeria’s biggest retail bank.
He put in work at Capital Bank and GTBank, grinding in corporate and institutional banking for over a decade, rising to executive director in charge of institutional banking.
Wigwe’s life is an icon for many, and remains forever in our hearts
#Story by Nwachukwu Precious, Aiwekhoe Esosa & Gift Chidinma Uwadike