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Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe (1966 – 2024) was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s banking and entrepreneurial landscape. His journey began at Coopers & Lybrand Associates, a globally renowned firm of Chartered Accountants. He dedicated over a decade of his career to Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, where he refined his skills and expertise in the financial sector.
His tenure as the Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank plc marked a transformative period for the institution, driving it to become one of Nigeria’s top five banking giants. Under his leadership, Access Bank Plc experienced profound strategic transformations, cementing its status as a foremost financial institution.
Herbert’s leadership prowess truly shone when he assumed the CEO role at Access Holdings Plc, operating under the name Access Corporation. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in guiding the company towards growth and expansion, steering its strategic direction with a steady hand.
Throughout his illustrious career, Herbert earned recognition for his innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities. He had an impressive ability to spot emerging trends and seize new opportunities, a talent that was crucial in navigating the ever-changing and competitive financial world. Herbert’s dedication to fostering sustainable growth and providing value to everyone involved was at the core of his leadership approach, shaping his decisions and behaviors.
“As leaders, we have a responsibility to build a better future for the next generation. We must invest in education, innovation, and sustainable development.”
Herbert Wigwe
Beyond his professional endeavors, Herbert demonstrated a deep-seated commitment to philanthropy, recognizing the importance of giving back to society. He championed various causes close to his heart, particularly emphasizing education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Through his HOW Foundation, Herbert spearheaded initiatives aimed at providing scholarships and educational support to underserved students, thus promoting a society that is fair and more inclusive.
Additionally, Herbert’s impact went beyond personal acts of philanthropy. As a forward-thinking leader, he worked to instill a culture of corporate social responsibility within the business community. Leading by example and establishing strong CSR initiatives within his companies, Herbert aimed to encourage other business leaders to recognize their social responsibilities and actively contribute to societal advancement.
Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe’s renowned career trajectory is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and social impact. Through his leadership and philanthropic endeavors, he has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s banking sector and broader society, shaping a legacy defined by integrity, vision, and compassion.
At the HOW Foundation, we believe that the best way to build strong and resilient communities is by investing in people. We are committed to providing support and resources to communities in need, including access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
At Wigwe University, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration.
