It was a rain of tributes for the late Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe yesterday.

His colleagues in the financial sector and acquaintances from other constituencies converged on the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos at an event tagged: Herbert Wigwe: Celebrating Professional Excellence.

The event, which attracted eminent personalities, including governors, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun and industrialists, led by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, French President Emmanuel Macron, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the United States (U.S.), Bill Clinton, sent in their messages of solidarity and comfort to the Wigwe family.

Wigwe, his wife Chizoba and son Chizzy, died in a helicopter crash almost a month ago in the United States (U.S.).

President Tinubu said that he was shocked and deeply depressed by the news of the passing of Wigwe.

Describing him as a distinguished banker, humanitarian and entrepreneur, the President added that Wigwe’s passing and those of others involved in the accident were a tragedy beyond comprehension.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spoke on how Wigwe supported government projects with solid ideas and how he motivated him to drive development.

“I have lost a good friend and brother. Lagos will not forget Herbert Wigwe. His legacies will be immortalised,” Sanwo-Olu said.

An emotional Dangote, who opened the floodgate of tributes, described Wigwe as his mentee, a brother and a friend. He said one of the major roads leading to his private refinery in Lagos would be named after the late Rivers State-born banker.

He said: “I am consoled that Hebert has run a successful race, and has gone to a better place.

“To immortalise my beloved friend, brother and mentee, I have decided to name one of our refinery roads, the biggest road will now be named Herbert Wigwe.

“After we have all gone, people will still visit the refinery and would want to find out who was this Herbert Wigwe.

“He was a man loved by all, and his boundless energy and uncommon zeal resonated in his life worthy of emulation.”

Cardoso said Wigwe not only had a genuine concern for the welfare of his people, but his generosity touched countless lives.

He said: “Many who interacted with Herbert, will tell you they were inspired by his vision of hard work and dedication in building Access Bank into an international services powerhouse. As we bid farewell to Herbert, let us pray for comfort, and solace for his children and entire family.”

END.