The Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, has expressed sadness over the death of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, and the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, who died in a helicopter crash in the United States

Elumelu, in a statement on Sunday, February 11, 2024, described the death of Wigwe and Ogunbanjo as “sad and distressing”, saying Nigeria has lost “two of our brightest minds”.

The billionaire businessman further described Wigwe as an exceptional talent, adding that Ogunbanjo’s tenure as the chairman of the NGX was distinguished by excellence.

He said: “Nigeria, indeed Africa, has lost two of our brightest minds.  I admired them both and we all shared the desire to drive Nigeria’s transformation.

‘Overwhelming tragedy’: Tinubu mourns Wigwe, Ogunbanjo

“Herbert was an exceptional talent, committed to advancing the banking and financial sector in Nigeria, with Access Holdings. Likewise, Bimbo’s tenure as Group chairman of the NGX group was distinguished by excellence.

“Both will be sorely missed by all. Their leadership and entrepreneurial drive will continue to serve as shining examples to millions of our young people.

“May Bimbo, Herbert, his dear wife, Chizoba, and his son, Chizi, rest in perfect peace. May God give their immediate families strength and grace in this difficult time.”

It would be recalled that Wigwe and Ogunbanjo died in a helicopter crash in California, the United States, on Friday, February 9.

Wigwe, his wife, son, and Ogunbanjo were in the ill-fated helicopter.

The Star