FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS: TWO YEARS AFTER, THE ENDURING LEGACY OF DR. HERBERT ONYEWUMBU WIGWE
By Arikawe Femi
Two years have passed since the world stood still. On February 9, 2024, Nigeria and the global financial community were thrown into mourning following the tragic passing of Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, CFR, former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, alongside his wife, Doreen, and their son, Chizi. What began as a moment of profound national grief has since evolved into a period of reflection on leadership, excellence, service, and a legacy that continues to transcend time.
Today, February 9, 2026, marks two years since his demise, yet the influence of Dr. Wigwe remains deeply felt across boardrooms, institutions, and generations of professionals inspired by his life’s work.
A VISIONARY WHO REDEFINED AFRICAN BANKING
Dr. Wigwe was more than a corporate executive; he was a builder of institutions and a firm believer in Africa’s capacity to compete on the global stage. As Group CEO of Access Holdings, he presided over one of the most remarkable transformation stories in African banking history.
Under his leadership, Access Bank evolved from a strong Nigerian commercial bank into a pan-African and international financial powerhouse, with operations spanning multiple African countries and extending into Europe and Asia. His tenure was marked by strategic boldness, disciplined execution, and an unwavering belief that African institutions could scale responsibly and sustainably.
Through landmark mergers, acquisitions, and international expansion, Dr. Wigwe helped reposition Nigerian banking as globally relevant and forward-looking.
“He didn’t just lead a bank, he led a vision for Africa on the world stage,” said a senior industry executive who worked closely with him.
LEADERSHIP BUILT ON EXCELLENCE, GOVERNANCE, AND PEOPLE
Central to Dr. Wigwe’s success was a leadership philosophy grounded in excellence, integrity, and human capital development. He set high standards and expected results, but he also invested heavily in people, mentorship, and institutional culture.
He was a strong advocate of corporate governance, risk management, and sustainability, embedding these principles into the operational DNA of Access Holdings. To him, success was not merely about profitability, but about building institutions that would outlive their founders.
Those who worked closely with him often described a leader who was intellectually rigorous, values-driven, and deeply committed to long-term impact.
“He challenged you to be better, think bigger, and act with integrity, always with the welfare of the institution in mind,” a former colleague recalled.
BEYOND BANKING: COMMITMENT TO NATION-BUILDING
Dr. Wigwe’s vision extended well beyond financial services. He believed economic growth must be accompanied by social progress, and he consistently aligned corporate success with national development.
Through the Access Bank Foundation and other initiatives, he championed education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. His philanthropic and developmental efforts reflected a deep conviction that businesses have a responsibility to uplift communities and expand opportunities.
“Dr. Wigwe reminded us that true leadership is measured by the lives you touch, not just the numbers on a balance sheet,” said an industry observer.
In this sense, his legacy is inseparable from Nigeria’s broader development narrative.
A NATIONAL AND GLOBAL LOSS
The news of his passing sent shockwaves across Nigeria and beyond. Tributes poured in from political leaders, regulators, captains of industry, and international stakeholders who recognised his contributions to finance, governance, and economic transformation.
The loss of his wife and son alongside him deepened the national grief, serving as a sobering reminder of life’s fragility and the shared sorrow of a nation united in mourning.
TWO YEARS AFTER: A LEGACY STILL IN MOTION
Two years on, Dr. Wigwe’s legacy has not diminished, it has endured and strengthened.
Access Holdings continues to operate on the foundation he laid. His strategies remain reference points in corporate leadership discussions. His speeches, ideas, and governance models continue to guide executives and inspire young professionals across Africa.
He left behind more than a successful financial institution; he left behind a standard of leadership – one defined by courage, competence, and conscience.
LEGACY HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE
| MILESTONE | IMPACT |
| Group CEO of Access Holdings | Grew the bank from national to pan-African and international reach |
| Landmark mergers and acquisitions | Strengthened financial position and market dominance |
| National honour: CFR | Recognized for outstanding service and leadership |
| Philanthropy & nation-building | Supported education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability |
| Mentorship & leadership development | Cultivated next-generation leaders in banking and corporate Africa |
FOREVER REMEMBERED
As Nigeria and Access Holdings marks the second anniversary of his passing, remembrance gives way to gratitude – gratitude for a life lived in service, impact, and excellence.
Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, CFR, may be gone, but his influence lives on in the institutions he strengthened, the people he mentored, and the future leaders who draw inspiration from his example.
Two years after, his legacy endures.
Forever in our hearts.
Forever in history.
