The Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) has been plunged into mourning following the tragic demise of its Group Chairman, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and the family of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings Plc, in a helicopter crash in the United States of America.
The fatal accident, which occurred on February 9th in California, claimed the lives of Ogunbanjo, Wigwe, his wife, son, and two others, leaving the NGX Group and the broader Nigerian financial community in shock.
In a statement, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, the Group Chairman of NGX Group, expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, describing their untimely demise as a profound loss.
Kwairanga paid tribute to Ogunbanjo’s exemplary leadership, noting his enduring legacy within the company and the Nigerian financial sector.
He also acknowledged Wigwe’s significant contributions to the private sector, underscoring his indelible mark on NGX Group’s operations.
“NGX Group is deeply saddened to acknowledge the tragic passing of our former chairman, Access Holdings Group CEO, Dr. Wigwe, along with his wife and son, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America,” said Kwairanga.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time. May their souls rest in peace and may the Almighty comfort their families.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Temi Popoola, the Managing Director/CEO of NGX Group, lamented the profound loss of Ogunbanjo, describing him as a pivotal figure in shaping the conglomerate.
Popoola emphasized Ogunbanjo’s visionary leadership and enduring impact on the organization, vowing to uphold his legacy of leadership, innovation, and dedication.
Regarding Wigwe and his family’s tragic demise, Popoola expressed deep sorrow, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the financial markets and the wider private sector.
He pledged to preserve their legacies by perpetuating the principles of excellence and commitment that they embodied.
The late Abimbola Ogunbanjo, a renowned legal practitioner and luminary in Nigeria’s corporate legal and capital market spheres, served as President of the National Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) from 2017 to 2021.
As the inaugural group chairman of NGX Group following the Exchange’s demutualization, Ogunbanjo played a pivotal role in steering the group through a transformative journey.
Beyond his corporate endeavors, Ogunbanjo’s exemplary contributions to corporate governance and the legal profession earned him widespread acclaim and respect.
His illustrious career encompassed roles on the boards of numerous multinational corporations and non-profit organizations, leaving an enduring legacy in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
