Wigwe: Access Bank Speaks on Helicopter Crash

Wigwe: Access Bank Speaks on helicopter crash

Access Holdings has announced its collaboration with the US authorities investigating the tragic helicopter crash that resulted in the death of the bank's group chief executive officer, Herbert Wigu. In an official statement released early Sunday, the Access Bank spokesperson, Olu Say Shidi, confirmed the bank's active collaboration with US authorities and pledged to provide updates as the investigation progresses. The fatal crash occurred on Friday at about 10 p.m., involving Herbert Wigu, his wife, his son, and Abim Banjo, the former group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group PLC.

The Eurocopter EC130 helicopter they were traveling in crashed in Nipton, San Bernardino County, California. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has provided further details, stating that two crew members and four passengers aboard the aircraft were fatally injured. The aircraft did not have a cockpit voice recorder or a flight data recorder as it was not required to have them. On the night of the incident, an Airbus EC130 helicopter departed Palm Springs, California, en route to Boulder City, Nevada. The helicopter impacted the terrain south of I15 near Hollin Springs, California. Hollin Springs is about 75 miles northeast of Barow.

Two crew members and four passengers on board were fatally injured. A preliminary report will be available in a couple of weeks, with a full NTSB investigative report expected to last 12 to 24 months before a final report is published. Additional details about the accident include the crew's composition of a pilot in command and a safety pilot. The accident flight was operated by Orbit Air LLC as a Part 135 Charter flight. Witness reports of the weather conditions at the time of the accident suggest rain and a wintry mix. The helicopter was not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder or a flight data recorder as it was not required to have such recording devices. Access Holdings and many Nigerians, including those who knew Mr. Wigu, have confirmed the news and publicly expressed their condolences.

These include President Bola Ahed Ubu, former Finance Ministeri Aundrea, and former Vice President ATU Abubakar. The crash occurred just three days after a US Marine Corps helicopter went down in the mountains outside San Diego during a historic downpour, killing five Marines. NTSB representatives Michael Graham and Aaron SS confirmed the fatality and reported a fire outbreak upon the helicopter's crash. They assured ongoing efforts to gather evidence at the scene.

NTSB investigators, including Aaron Sour as the investigator in charge and Mark Ward as the deputy investigator in charge, will be examining areas such as airworthiness, maintenance, structures of the helicopter, operations, meteorology, and air traffic control. Born on August 15, 1966, Herbert Wigu was a banker and entrepreneur. He served as the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank PLC from January 2014 to April 2022. Wigu was also the founder of Wigu University located in Rivers State. He was married to Chab Neba and had four children, Chesy, Toi, Anna, and David.

The death of Mr. Wigu has deeply impacted many in Nigeria and across the world, especially in the banking sector, where he was widely regarded as an industry leader. Wigu had been involved in two of the country's largest banks, including Guaranteed Trust Bank (GTB), where he previously served as an executive director. Under Wigu's leadership, Access Bank's assets and presence expanded beyond borders into several African countries.

CHECK OUT SELF BUILT PRIVATE T0MB OF NIGERIAN BANK CEO HERBERT WIGWE BEFORE DĒÆTH STRÚCK

The distance between AOT International Airport and Wigu International University in Isopo is 10 kilometers. As visitors anticipate the arrival of an August visitor, preparations for the final phase of the Blaer Business MoGo Dr. Harbot Wigu are in progress. The university project contractors are working diligently, while the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Isoka Parish are being renovated to accommodate the event. Land has been donated or acquired for car parks to manage traffic on the day of the burial.

The late Wigu will return home for eternal rest on Saturday, March 9th, 2024. His arrival at the airport will be somber, with no usual smiles or greetings, as he will be laid to rest. Dr. Harbert Wigway had prepared a private home within the university grounds for his final resting place. The luxurious site features a walkway leading to the elaborate tomb constructed with Italian Carara and Galaxy Granite. Foreign guests are expected to pay their respects, making the Wigu International University a notable landmark.