The governors of Bayelsa and River states, Senator Douye Diri, and Siminalayi Fubara have arrived at the venue for the funeral service for the former Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Doreen, and son, Chizzy.
A former Nigerian Ambassador to Scandinavian countries, Dr Godknows Igali, also arrived in the company of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that dignitaries, guests and hundreds of mourners have started arriving at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State for the funeral service being held today, Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Also, the state commissioner of police, Olatunji Disu, led security men to the venue, as members of the clergy, traditional rulers from the Omoeke, Wigwe’s hometown and monarchs from Isiokpo, in general, are already seated.
PUNCH Online reported that Wigwe died on Friday, February 9, 2024, following a helicopter crash in California, near the Nevada border, in the United States of America.
The management of Access Holdings Plc confirmed the death in an official statement on Sunday, February 11, 2024.
The statement partly read, “It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) announces the passing of Dr Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’).
“Dr. Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.
“The entire Access Family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen and Chizi. We extend our deep and sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones.
“Dr. Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002.”