Yesterday marked a sombre but poignant day as former CEO of Entry Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, his cherished spouse, Chizoba and beloved son, Chizi had been laid to relaxation. Their departure leaves behind a void that echoes with reminiscences of affection, laughter, and cherished moments, writes Festus Akanbi
The air hung heavy with grief as pals, household, the excessive and the mighty within the Nigerian political scenes, captains of the business and family members gathered yesterday on the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo, Rivers State, on the sombre funeral service for Herbert Wigwe, his spouse Chizoba, and their son Chizi.
Tears flowed freely, mingling with the rain that lightly fell from the overcast sky, as mourners struggled to return to phrases with the tragic lack of such beloved souls.
The church echoed with comfortable sobs and whispers of sorrow as reminiscences of happier occasions crammed the hearts of these current. The pews had been crammed with a way of vacancy, a void left behind by the premature departure of three valuable lives.
Faces etched with unhappiness and disbelief sought solace in one another’s presence, clinging to the reminiscences of Herbert’s infectious laughter, Chizoba’s heat embrace, and Chizi’s playful spirit. Their absence loomed giant, casting a shadow over the hearts of all who knew them.
Because the service progressed, the burden of actuality settled in, every phrase spoken a reminder of the irreplaceable loss felt by the group. But, amidst the sorrow, there was additionally a way of unity, a shared understanding that of their reminiscences, Herbert, Chizoba, and Chizi would without end stay on.
Within the quiet moments of reflection, as the ultimate farewells had been spoken, the collective grief enveloped the congregation, binding them collectively in a bond cast by love and loss. And although the ache of their absence would linger lengthy after the service ended, the legacy of their lives would proceed to shine brightly within the hearts of all who had been touched by their presence.
Their lives had been tragically lower brief on Friday, February 9, 2024, in a devastating helicopter crash in California, USA that has left the nation and wider African continent in shock and mourning.
Days of Mourning, Outpouring of Tributes
For the Nigerian enterprise group, the place Herbert shone like a star, it was a month of mourning. The diploma of the loss manifested within the outpouring of feelings and condolences by enterprise leaders and members of the political class that had dealings with the previous Entry Holdings helmsman.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote described Herbert Wigwe as a loyal good friend, mentee, and supporter. “He’s a pillar of assist and power for me and my household. He supported me as the corporate grew, and he’s a part of the success story. Herbert’s sensible counsel was central to the expansion of the Dangote Group. I’ll without end cherish his friendship, and I owe him a debt of gratitude. Herbert’s braveness was second to none, and he was by no means in need of something. We share a typical precept of perseverance, which is a secret to success,” Dangote mentioned.
On his half, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who was Herbert Wigwe’s closest good friend and enterprise associate emotionally spoke of his philanthropy and dedication to Africa’s progress: “Individuals who didn’t know him prior to now learnt about his philanthropy and learnt that Africa continues to be able to producing excellent people. Herbert was dedicated to constructing an African continent. Herbert was very involved in regards to the nation’s state, and he knew time was not on the aspect of Nigeria and Africa. We’ve got now realised that tomorrow is immediately.”
A Visionary Chief
Vice-president Kashim Shettima, in a lyrical eulogy, described the late Wigwe as an early bloomer who reworked the Nigerian banking business, recalling his visionary management and unwavering dedication to his group.
The vp in a press release by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha mentioned, “Herbert left us in winter earlier than the season of bloom. Spring was nearly to reach at his final location, the US when the Lord known as for him.
“Spring is just not the image of Herbert’s bloom; his journey was outlined by peculiar seasons. He bloomed lengthy earlier than his co-travellers.
Shettima additionally lamented the tragic lack of Wigwe’s spouse, son, and others, describing the loss as collective grief felt by many and a “fading perfume of a backyard that touched lives far past its borders.”
The Fearless One
For the previous Managing Director, Niger Delta Improvement Fee (NDDC), Mr. Timi Alaibe, Herbert Wigwe got here as a flame of fireplace and has left behind unquenchable sparks.
“One may marvel why Herbert is described as fearless. He was greater than only a CEO. He was a visionary whose foresight propelled Entry Financial institution Holdings to unprecedented heights.
“His strategic acumen and relentless pursuit of excellence reworked challenges into alternatives and impressed these round him not solely to dream however to succeed in for greatness.
In celebrating him because the fearless one, we honour a person whose braveness knew no bounds.
“Herbert fearlessly charted new paths embraced change, and championed progress, leaving indelible marks on the sands of time. Even those that didn’t like his guts cherished his glittering accomplishments. Past his skilled endeavours, Herbert’s integrity, humility, and compassion touched the lives of numerous people and teams,” Alaibe mentioned.
An Additional-ordinary Father
In her tributes, one of many daughters of the deceased, Tochi Wigwe recalled how her father nurtured her within the act of public talking, she mentioned, “I used to inform my father that I hated public talking and he tried to persuade me that he hated it as properly. But it surely’s simply one thing he had to take action I’m going to attempt my greatest to be fearless,” Tochi mentioned on stage, flanked by a number of of her pals.
“On this second, for the primary time, your phrases resonate deeply inside me. I not wish to tilt my head and squint my eyes in confusion. You had been merely extraordinary,” she added.
Dependable Good friend
To reveal Herbert’s bigger coronary heart, a former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, in a tribute mentioned Herbert was a good friend to show to in occasions of hassle.
“I used to be considering I’d die and depart Herbert. We’ve got all heard about him, about his loyalty,” he mentioned in an emotionally laden voice.
He recalled how the late banker stood by his aspect all by way of his travails after being deposed as Emir of Kano by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Based on Sanusi, Herbert assured him of his unflinching assist and loyalty.
To match phrases with motion, Lamido mentioned Herbert supplied a airplane for him on the tarmac in Kano to convey him to Lagos.
“After I had issues in Kano, I known as him about six months earlier than I used to be advised to depart Kano. I mentioned to him, ‘Herbert I do know you’re doing all of your greatest to resolve all these issues, however I’m satisfied that that is what will occur.
“He mentioned to me, ‘Your Highness, don’t fear. No matter occurs, don’t fear. We’re right here for you.’ On the day I heard on the radio that I used to be dethroned, I known as him and mentioned I wished to return to Lagos.
“The announcement was made about 9 am, by midday Herbert had a airplane on the tarmac in Kano. The plan then was to take me into exile for a few years. I put my household on that airplane and despatched them to Lagos, with no telephone calls. Herbert acquired them and put them in a resort.
A Beacon of Excellence, Resilience
In his tributes Chairman Platform Petroleum Ltd, Dumo Lulu-Briggs wrote:, Herbert stood as a beacon of excellence and resilience, his life a symphony of boldness and unyielding spirit that impressed us to embrace our fears and transcend them. His dedication to crafting a legacy of distinction shines brightly by way of the establishments he nurtured- Entry Holdings Plc, Wigwe College, and a constellation of others, every a testomony to his visionary pursuit of greatness.
There isn’t a doubt, that Nigeria and Africa will certainly miss Herbert, his spouse and his son.
