The Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) has mourned the death of its Group Chairman, Abimbola Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash in the United States of America.

The firm also commiserated with the family of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, who also died along with his wife and son in the incident.

Messrs Ogunbanjo, Wigwe, his wife, son and two others died in a helicopter crash in California, U.S A. on February 9.

The Group Chairman of NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga, in a statement, expressed condolences to the families of the departed souls, describing their death as untimely.

Mr Kwairanga said the late Ogunbanjo’s leadership had left an indelible mark on the company and the broader Nigerian financial community, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire the group.

The NGX group chairman stated that late Wigwe also left an unblemished footprint in the group’s private sector.

“NGX Group is deeply saddened to acknowledge the tragic passing of our former chairman, Access Holdings Group CEO, Dr Wigwe, along with his wife and son, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time. May their souls rest in peace and may the Almighty comfort their families,” he said.

Also, the NGX Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Temi Popoola, described the passing of Ogunbanjo as a profound loss to the group and the entire Nigerian private sector.

Mr Popoola said that the late Ogunbanjo played crucial roles in shaping the conglomerate.

According to him, while the late NGX Group chairman will be sorely missed, his visionary leadership and impacts will never be forgotten.

He also described the death of Mr Wigwe, his wife and son in the helicopter accident as heartbreaking.

Mr Popoola said that the contributions of the two respected leaders to the financial markets and the overall private sector would continue to be remembered.

He stated, “We are committed to preserving their legacies by upholding the principles of leadership, innovation and dedication that they exemplified.’’

According to the statement, the late Ogunbanjo, a visionary leader and luminary in Nigeria’s corporate legal and capital market spheres, served as president of the National Council of Nigerian Stock Exchange from 2017 to 2021.

As the first Group Chairman of NGX Group from 2021 to 2022, following the demutualisation of the Exchange, the late Ogunbanjo’s strategic acumen and dedication were instrumental in shaping the group’s transformative journey.

Beyond his role at NGX Group, the late former group chairman was a distinguished legal practitioner, serving as managing partner of Chris Ogunbanjo LP (Solicitors).

He served on the boards of several multinational corporations and non-profit organisations, including Beta Glass Plc and the advisory board of University of Buckingham Centre for Extractive Studies.

He also served on the board of GTL Registrars Ltd., AIICO Insurance Plc and ConocoPhillips Ltd., amongst others.

“Ogunbanjo’s contributions to the legal profession and corporate governance were exemplary, earning him widespread respect and admiration,” the statement added. (NAN)