Six individuals, including the group chief executive of one of Nigeria’s largest lenders, Access Bank, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Southern California on Friday. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. near Nipton, California, with all six passengers on board the helicopter perishing in the crash.
Among the victims were Herbert Wigwe, the Group CEO of Access Bank, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group. The devastating news of their deaths was confirmed by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director general of the World Trade Organization, in a heartfelt post on social media.
Expressing profound sadness, Okonjo-Iweala extended her condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. She lamented the loss of Herbert Wigwe, his wife, their son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo in the tragic accident, sending thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reported that the crash site was located east of the 15-Freeway, near Halloran Springs Road. Unfortunately, no survivors were found at the scene as of Saturday, indicating the severity of the crash.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the helicopter involved in the crash as a Eurocopter EC 130 and announced that they would be launching an investigation into the incident in conjunction with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The investigation aims to uncover the circumstances leading up to the crash and determine the cause of this tragic accident.
Reports indicate that the helicopter was en route to Las Vegas when it crashed near a border city between Nevada and California. The exact details surrounding the crash, including the cause and any contributing factors, are yet to be determined pending the outcome of the FAA and NTSB investigations.
The untimely deaths of Herbert Wigwe, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and the other passengers onboard the helicopter have sent shockwaves through the Nigerian business community and beyond. As prominent figures in Nigeria’s banking and financial sectors, their loss is deeply felt by colleagues, associates, and the wider community.
Herbert Wigwe, in particular, was recognized for his significant contributions to Access Bank’s growth and success, serving as a driving force behind the institution’s expansion and development initiatives. His leadership and vision played a pivotal role in shaping Access Bank into one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions.
Similarly, Abimbola Ogunbanjo’s contributions to the Nigerian Exchange Group and his esteemed reputation within the financial industry are remembered with respect and admiration. His legacy of integrity and dedication to excellence leaves a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As investigations into the helicopter crash continue, the Nigerian community mourns the loss of these remarkable individuals and honors their memory. Their contributions to the banking and financial sectors will be remembered and cherished, and their absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew them.
