BARSTOW, Calif. – The CEO of Access Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest banks, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash on Friday in Southern California’s Mojave Desert. Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife and son, were among the six people who lost their lives in the crash. Also on board was Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chair of NGX Group, the Nigerian stock exchange.
The sad news was confirmed by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian finance minister who is now the director-general of the World Trade Organization. Okonjo-Iweala expressed her deep sadness at the loss and sent her prayers to the departed souls and their families.
Wigwe, who was 57 years old, was a highly respected figure in Nigeria and the banking sector. He had played a significant role in the growth and expansion of Access Bank’s assets and presence across several African countries. His sudden death came as a shock to many and is being viewed as a significant loss for Nigeria and Africa’s banking industry.
In addition to his work in banking, Wigwe also had interests in the education sector. He was the founder of a private university in Nigeria, scheduled to open in September, which he saw as his way of giving back to society.
The fatal crash occurred in a remote area of the desert, south of I-15, near Halloran Springs Road. According to Michael Graham of the National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft was an Airbus EC-130 conducting a charter flight operated by Orbic Air LLC. Witnesses reported poor weather conditions, including rain and a “wintry mix,” at the time of the crash.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the NTSB is urging anyone with additional details, such as photos or videos, to come forward. The crash site is not far from the California-Nevada border and is approximately a 60- to 80-mile drive from Las Vegas.
This tragic incident comes just days after a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter crashed in the mountains outside San Diego during heavy rain, claiming the lives of five Marines. The frequency of these crashes underscores the risks and dangers that come with helicopter travel, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The loss of Herbert Wigwe and the others on board has sent shockwaves through Nigeria and the global banking community, leaving many mourning the tragic end of promising lives.