Condolences have poured following the demise of the group chief executive officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash in the United States of America on February 9, 2024.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said Mr Wigwe was travelling with his wife, Chizoba, and son, as well as the former chairman of Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbajo, in a Eurocopter EC 130 chopper when it crashed around 10:00 p.m. Friday near Nipton, California.

Upon news of his death, tributes have since poured in from several personalities, including French President Emmanuel Macron, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and others.

In his condolence on Facebook, Mr Macron said Mr Wigwe worked “tirelessly” to strengthen ties between France and Nigeria.

Mr Macron said, “France has lost a friend, Herbert Wigwe, President of the French Nigeria Business Council. A humanistic and talented entrepreneur. He tirelessly worked to strengthen the relationship between our two countries. Our heartfelt thoughts go to his family and loved ones.”

Former vice president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Abubakar, expressed his sadness over the incident. He described the late Access Bank chief as a philanthropist, education promoter and consummate banker.

Mr Abubakar added, “On behalf of my family, my heart goes out to their loved ones and everyone affected by this unfortunate incident. May their souls rest in peace.”

Former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki prayed for the families of Messrs Wigwe and Ogunbanjo over the loss.

He added, “As we mourn his loss, we must view the passing of Herbert and these prominent individuals not just as a personal tragedy for their families but also as a significant loss for the business community and the nation at large.”

In his condolence message, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated, “I’m deeply saddened by the tragic loss of my dear brother and friend, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his dear wife Doreen, and their beloved son Chizi in a helicopter crash.”

Describing Mr Wigwe as a visionary leader, Mr Sanwo-Olu added, “Lagos and Nigeria have lost a remarkable soul. Rest in peace, my brother.”

Immediate past Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, in a post on his X handle, said, “Herbert’s untimely death is a loss not only to his family and friends like us but to Access Holdings, the financial services sector, the Nigerian economy, our nation and the Black Race at large. 

“On behalf of the Kaduna State State Government, which I had the privilege to lead between 2015 and 2023, I thank Herbert for spearheading and financing the design, construction, furnishing and equipping of a mega-basic education school at Fifth Chukker, Mararraban Jos, for thousands of out-of-school children in Igabi Local Government to support the human capital development policies of our administration.”

On his part, the president of the African Development Bank Group, Akinwumi Adeshina, on his X handle, partly said, “May God comfort your aged parents, children, the Wigwe family and the staff and management of Access Bank. You will be greatly missed.”

Director-General of the World Trade Organization and former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonko-Iweala, also on X, sent her condolences to Mr Wigwe’s family and Access Bank employees, adding, “May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.” 

On his X handle, former Kaduna lawmaker Shehu Sani from Kaduna said, “It was sad and heartbreaking; a great loss. May their souls rest in peace.”

“Joseph Johnson, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, described the occurrence as shocking.

Business magnate Femi Otedola, in a statement, recounted that the deceased recently hosted him and the CEO of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, to dinner in Lagos.

Mr Otedola stated, “I will cherish and fondly remember my memories of time spent together with him over the years. Herbie, we will all miss you.”