Billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, has named the 120km
road leading to his refinery in Lagos after the late Group Chief Executive
Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, in recognition of his exceptional
contributions to the project.
The announcement was made on Monday during a special event
held in honour of the late banker at Eko Hotel, Lagos, titled ‘Celebrating
Herbert Wigwe – A Professional Legacy.’
Dangote paid tribute to the deceased, highlighting Wigwe’s
dedication and expertise.
“To immoratalise my beloved friend, my brother, and mentee,
I’ve actually decided to name our major refinery and petrochemical road-out of
the 120km road, the biggest road will now be named Herbert Wigwe,” Dangote
said.
The businessman described him as a dependable mentee who was
willing to go the extra mile to support him, his business, and his family.
“I am proud to name it after him, my devoted friend, mentee,
and supporter. I will forever cherish the warmth of his friendship”, Dangote
said.
On February 9, Wigwe, his wife, Doreen; son Chizi; and a
former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, died in a
helicopter crash that occurred near a border town between California and Nevada
in the United States.
Some of the dignitaries at the event were the Minister of
Finance, Wale Edu; President of African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina;
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu; the Managing Director of Access Bank
in Ghana, Dolapo Ogundimo, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl
Toriola; the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor; Olayemi Cardoso.
The President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of
Nigeria, Ken Opara, expressed deep condolences on the passing of the late
Wigwe.
Opara shared his heartfelt reflections on the life and
contributions of the departed industry stalwart.
He started, “Very difficult to talk about but also very
important. It’s not about how long, it’s about the quality and impact. I have
known him for over 36 years.
His words captured the essence of a relationship that
spanned more than three decades, emphasizing the profound impact Wigwe had on
those around him.
Opara continued, “He was very courageous and a top-notch
banker. Worked tirelessly. He contributed immensely to the development of
banking in Nigeria.”
The Group CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun
Agbaje, said Wigwe packed into 57 years what most exceptional people will not
pack into in two lifetimes.
“Herbert was my colleague, friend, brother, and competitor,
only Herbert could have been all those things at once,” Agbaje said.
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, lauded his
achievement in the banking sector.
The governor also recalled how Wigwe was instrumental with a
few others to mitigate some of the risks that came with Covid 19.
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