The Life and Legacy of Herbert Wigwe: A Financial Expert Who Transformed a Small Bank into a Global Institution

In the realm of finance and banking, few names stand out as brightly as Herbert Wigwe, the visionary leader who transformed a small Nigerian bank into a global institution.

Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, born on August 15, 1966, in Ibadan, Nigeria, was a Nigerian banker and businessman who co-founded Access Bank Plc and served as its Group Managing Director and CEO.

Wigwe had a strong educational background, with a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an MA in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales.

Wigwe’s career in banking began at Guaranty Trust Bank, where he quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating his keen acumen and strategic thinking.

Herbert Wigwe was known to be a brilliant kid and a fervid lover of cricket. He grew up and resided in Lagos State Nigeria with his family, which included his parents – Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, a retired Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and his mother, a nurse – and his four siblings: Peggy, Stella, Joyce, and Emeka.

Wigwe was a man driven by passion and determination. He was not just an accountant, but a financial expert who saw opportunities where others saw obstacles.

Wigwe’s journey began with an unwavering focus on his goal. He rejected an offer to study actuarial science and instead pursued a career in accounting.

He honed his skills at the prestigious Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) and later at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), where he rose to the rank of executive director at the young age of 32.

It was in 2002 that Wigwe and his partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, saw an opportunity to acquire Access Bank, a small commercial bank ranked 65th out of 89 banks in Nigeria. They took on the challenge and embarked on a journey to transform the bank into a global powerhouse.

Under Wigwe’s leadership, Access Bank expanded its reach across continents, weathered economic storms, and championed innovation and digitization within the bank.

The bank absorbed the defunct Diamond Bank in 2018, and initiated mergers and acquisitions in several countries, including Zambia, Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon.

Wigwe was more than just a banker. He was a philanthropist who launched the HOW Foundation to make positive impacts outside of his work environment.

The foundation focuses on youth empowerment, leadership, and mentorship, as well as malaria eradication, prostate cancer, and children’s welfare.

In 2016, Wigwe launched the W-initiative under the aegis of Access Bank, a scheme meant to support and encourage more women to venture into business and promote maternal health.

Wigwe’s life was not just about numbers and profit. It was about empowering communities, touching lives, and making a difference.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Herbert Wigwe had a rich personal life. He was married to Chizoba Wigwe (née Nwuba), and they had four children together: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah, and David.

He was a devoted family man and often spoke fondly of his wife and children in interviews.

Wigwe’s commitment to making a difference extended to his personal life as well. He was a proud father who always prioritized his children’s well-being and education.

Though he was a busy man, he made sure to spend quality time with his family and be present for important milestones in their lives.

In 2024, tragedy struck when Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, and their son were involved in a helicopter crash near the California-Nevada border. The loss of the family man, his beloved wife, and their child was a devastating blow to their family, friends, and the community at large.

Despite the tragedy, the legacy of Herbert Wigwe and his commitment to making a difference in the world lives on through his work and the memories of those who knew him.

His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the communities he empowered, and the future his vision will continue to shape.

As we remember Herbert Wigwe, we celebrate a man who embodied the very essence of progress and left an indelible mark on the world of finance and banking. His life and legacy will continue to inspire future generations to dream big, take risks, and make a difference.