In a devastating helicopter crash on Friday night along the California-Nevada border, the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s largest bank, Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Doreen Chizoba, and son, Chizi, lost their lives. The tragic incident also claimed the life of Abimola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigeria’s stock exchange. The identities were initially disclosed by the director general of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The helicopter, an Airbus Helicopters EC-130, took off from Palm Springs airport in California, heading to Boulder City, Nevada, when it crashed around 10.10 pm on Friday. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are conducting an investigation into the crash. Witnesses reported that the helicopter caught fire after the crash, with adverse weather conditions, including rain and a wintry mix.
Access Bank officials and Okonjo-Iweala confirmed the identities of the victims. Herbert Wigwe had served as the CEO of Access Bank since 2014, and the bank is the largest in Nigeria. The crash also claimed the life of former group chairman Abimola Ogunbanjo.
Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressed shock and deep distress at the news, extending condolences to the affected families and the business community. Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe was remembered for his contributions as a distinguished banker, humanitarian, and entrepreneur.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through Nigeria and the global business community, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. As details emerge, the loss of these prominent figures has left a void that resonates deeply within the banking and financial sectors.
