MEET HERBERT WIGWE: A VISIONARY LEADER IN BANKING
BACKGROUND AND EARLY LIFE
Herbert Wigwe was born on August 15, 1966. He grew up in a family that valued education, which laid the foundation for his remarkable academic journey. Wigwe obtained his degree in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He furthered his education with a Master’s in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor University) and an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of London. Additionally, he completed the Executive Management Program at Harvard Business School, which enriched his leadership skills.
CAREER JOURNEY
Wigwe began his career at Coopers & Lybrand in Lagos as a management consultant, later becoming a chartered accountant. His next significant role was at Capital Bank, after which he joined Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB). At GTB, he spent over a decade, advancing to the position of Executive Director in charge of institutional banking.
In 2002, he co-founded Access Bank with his business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. Under his leadership, Access Bank grew tremendously, eventually becoming one of Nigeria's largest banks. Wigwe was appointed CEO in 2014 and later became the Group CEO of Access Holdings in 2022. He was instrumental in the bank's expansion across Africa, positioning it as the largest retail bank in Sub-Saharan Africa by customer base.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACT
Wigwe's contributions extended beyond banking; he was involved in numerous philanthropic initiatives and held several leadership roles. He served as Chairman of Access Bank Ghana and Access Investment & Securities Limited, among other positions. He founded The HOW Foundation, which focuses on youth development and empowerment. His accolades included being named African Banker of the Year multiple times and receiving national honors, such as the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2022 for his exemplary contributions to society.
LEGACY
Tragically, Herbert Wigwe passed away on February 9, 2024, in a helicopter accident in California, alongside his wife and son. His death was a significant loss to the banking sector and the wider community, as he was known for his visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable development goals.
Wigwe's legacy continues through his initiatives, including the establishment of Wigwe University in Isiokpo, Rivers State, slated to open in September 2024. This institution aims to provide world-class education and foster the next generation of leaders.
CONCLUSION
Herbert Wigwe's journey is a testament to determination, vision, and leadership. His impact on the banking sector and his commitment to community development have left an indelible mark, inspiring many in Nigeria and beyond.
BACKGROUND AND EARLY LIFE
Herbert Wigwe was born on August 15, 1966. He grew up in a family that valued education, which laid the foundation for his remarkable academic journey. Wigwe obtained his degree in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He furthered his education with a Master’s in Banking and Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor University) and an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of London. Additionally, he completed the Executive Management Program at Harvard Business School, which enriched his leadership skills.
CAREER JOURNEY
Wigwe began his career at Coopers & Lybrand in Lagos as a management consultant, later becoming a chartered accountant. His next significant role was at Capital Bank, after which he joined Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB). At GTB, he spent over a decade, advancing to the position of Executive Director in charge of institutional banking.
In 2002, he co-founded Access Bank with his business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. Under his leadership, Access Bank grew tremendously, eventually becoming one of Nigeria's largest banks. Wigwe was appointed CEO in 2014 and later became the Group CEO of Access Holdings in 2022. He was instrumental in the bank's expansion across Africa, positioning it as the largest retail bank in Sub-Saharan Africa by customer base.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACT
Wigwe's contributions extended beyond banking; he was involved in numerous philanthropic initiatives and held several leadership roles. He served as Chairman of Access Bank Ghana and Access Investment & Securities Limited, among other positions. He founded The HOW Foundation, which focuses on youth development and empowerment. His accolades included being named African Banker of the Year multiple times and receiving national honors, such as the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2022 for his exemplary contributions to society.
LEGACY
Tragically, Herbert Wigwe passed away on February 9, 2024, in a helicopter accident in California, alongside his wife and son. His death was a significant loss to the banking sector and the wider community, as he was known for his visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable development goals.
Wigwe's legacy continues through his initiatives, including the establishment of Wigwe University in Isiokpo, Rivers State, slated to open in September 2024. This institution aims to provide world-class education and foster the next generation of leaders.
CONCLUSION
Herbert Wigwe's journey is a testament to determination, vision, and leadership. His impact on the banking sector and his commitment to community development have left an indelible mark, inspiring many in Nigeria and beyond.