Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Dangote, others extol late Wigwe’s virtues.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday promised to immortalise the late founder of Access Bank, Dr Herbert Wigwe, born at the Island Maternity Hospital in the state.
Mr Sanwo-Olu made the pledge on Monday at an event to celebrate the late Group Chief Executive, Access Corporation tagged, “Celebrating Herbert Wigwe – A professional legacy.’’
The event was divided into six segments – Young Herbert, the banker, the entrepreneur, the CEO, the builder and the ambassador.
The governor narrated his last conversation with the late Wigwe on Thursday, February 8, where they discussed lofty ideas.
“This was the last conversation that I will keep on my phone for a long time,” he said.
He said that the late Wigwe was a man who always had good stories and supported several projects of his administration, driving him to take up new challenges.
“Herbert was one of the first people that supported my ambition generously,” he said.
He said it was unbelievable how a man could give so much, including his words of encouragement.
Mr Sanwo-Olu revealed how the late Wigwe collaborated with other partners to cushion the effects of COVID-19 during the global pandemic.
“Herbert led from the front, encouraged and stood with the state government. I have indeed lost a big friend,” he said.
He said the late Wigwe and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the former group managing director of Access Bank, took a trip with him to Cairo to pursue visions of Lagos.
He added that the late Wigwe had a special history of Isale Eko, and Lagos would immortalise him, having been born in Island Maternity Hospital.
He said if places of birth mattered, the late Wigwe should be of Isale Eko origin, noting, “Herbert has transcended beyond borders.
“Lagos will not forget Herbert Wigwe. We will support the family,” he said.
His counterpart in Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, while speaking of his encounters said, “It is a tough season for all of us.”
Mr Abiodun said words were not enough to describe how larger than life the late Wigwe was as he achieved so much within a short time.
“Herbert was loyal to his friends, way ahead of his time ever forward looking,” he said.
He said the late Wigwe believed in Nigeria and was patriotic, adding that he met him about 30 years ago and thanked the late Wigwe for believing in him and being supportive of his programmes and projects.
