Top Nigerian Business Mogul, Aliko Dangote, has chosen to name the 120km road to his refinery in Lagos after the late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, in appreciation of his outstanding contributions to the project.
In honour of the late banker, the announcement was made on Monday during a special event at Eko Hotel, Lagos, titled ‘Celebrating Herbert Wigwe – A Professional Legacy."’
Dangote honored the deceased by recognizing Wigwe’s dedication and expertise, describing him as a dependable mentee and noted his willingness to go the extra mile to support him, his business, and his family.
“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.
Wigwe and his immediate family tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash near a border town between California and Nevada in the United States on February 9.
Some of the dignitaries who attended 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; Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola; and the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso.
The President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Ken Opara, shared his heartfelt condolences on the passing of the late Wigwe and pondered on the life and contributions of the departed industry stalwart.
Although he mentioned knowing the deceased for over 36 years, the focus should be on the quality and impact rather than the duration, as he stated.
His words highlighted the essence of a relationship that lasted over three decades, underscoring the significant influence Wigwe had on those in his circle.
Opara described Wigwe as a very courageous and top-notch banker who worked tirelessly and contributed immensely to the development of banking in Nigeria.
The Group CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun Agbaje also highlighted that Wigwe managed to achieve in 57 years what most exceptional individuals would not achieve in two lifetimes.
