Following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed Herbert Wigwe’s life, his associated businesses have been identified, including Access Holdings, Access Bank Plc, Wigwe University, and two others where he held significant shares.
In 2002, Wigwe, along with business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, acquired Access Bank, leading its conversion into a holding company. Herbert Wigwe’s career trajectory began at Coopers & Lybrand Associates, and after more than ten years managing various portfolios at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, he played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s financial industry.
Some of the businesses linked to Herbert Wigwe include:
1. **Access Holdings:**
A dominant force in the financial services industry, Access Holdings operates in 12 African countries, actively expanding its footprint in Africa and Europe. As the parent company of various subsidiaries engaged in banking, asset management, payments, insurance, pensions, and other financial services, Access Holdings reflects Wigwe’s vision of a robust and diverse financial ecosystem. Wigwe, as the group managing director and CEO, owned a 9.09% stake in the company.
2. **Access Bank Plc:**
A full-service commercial bank and central banking division of Access Holdings, Access Bank Plc is a well-known entity with a massive network spanning three continents and eighteen countries, serving over 49 million people. Since its acquisition in 2002, Access Bank, led by Wigwe and Aig-Imoukhuede, has undergone revolutionary actions, becoming Nigeria’s largest bank, notably acquiring Diamond Bank in 2018.
3. **Tengen Holdings:**
Representing the financial interests of the Wigwe family, Tengen Holdings Limited is an investment holding company based in Mauritius. Instrumental in helping Wigwe secure additional shares in Access Holdings, Tengen Holdings played a crucial role in the family’s commitment to long-term growth, bringing Wigwe’s total ownership to 9.09%.
4. **HOW Foundation:**
Established in 2016 by Wigwe, the Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe Foundation (HOW Foundation) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to health projects, youth development, leadership, and educational initiatives. It has shown commitment to community welfare, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing food and relief supplies.
5. **Wigwe University:**
Unveiled in November 2023, Wigwe University represents the pinnacle of Wigwe’s dedication to education. With a promised $500 million investment, the institution aims to address Nigeria’s skills gap and influence the country’s future through cutting-edge learning and the development of future leaders. The university embodies Wigwe’s lifelong goal and commitment to shaping Nigeria’s educational landscape.
