Leading opposition figures, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have mourned the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, who died alongside his wife and son in a helicopter crash in the United States on Friday.
The chopper, a Eurocopter EC 130, was headed to Las Vegas when it crashed near a border city between Nevada and California.
Six people, three of whom have been identified as the Wigwes, were onboard at the time of the crash.
In separate messages, Atiku and Obi sent their condolences to the family of the bereaved.
Atiku, in a message he signed, quoted a recent quote from the late banker.
He said, “In the words of one of Nigeria’s finest CEOs, Herbert Wigwe, ‘Today and always, let us remember that life is a precious gift – a chance to breathe, feel, love, experience and connect. Let’s honour this gift by living with purpose, kindness, and gratitude, making every moment count. Let us number our days.’
“I’m deeply saddened to hear about the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, and his family.
“Indeed, Herbert Wigwe, consummate banker, education promoter, and philanthropist, numbered his days. On behalf of my family, my heart goes out to their loved ones and everyone affected by this unfortunate incident. May their souls rest in peace.”
Obi said, “I’m deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of my dear friend, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings, along with his wife and son, and another close friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former group chairman of NGX Group.
“This loss is profoundly felt across the nation.”
Obi recalled meeting Wigwe during his early days, on the brink of starting his marital journey, saying he assisted him in preparing for his traditional wedding and being there for the ceremony with his wife, Chizoba, from Achina, Anambra State.
He said he has since maintained a connection to Wigwe’s endeavors in his modest ways.
The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) said, “The loss of such an exceptional individual reminds us of life’s fleeting nature, encouraging us to live with a purpose that contributes to the betterment of humanity.
“My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Herbert, his beloved wife, his son, and all those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash. May God grant them eternal rest and provide strength to Herbert’s family, Access Holdings, and all of us mourning this irreplaceable loss.”