French President, Macron; Director General of WTO, Okonjo-Iweala; and Obi in their separate condolence messages, expressed sadness over the incident.
The death of the Co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe and family members has elicited emotional reactions from global leaders, among others.
This includes the French President, Emmanuel Macron; the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; and the candidate of the Labour Party in the Nigeria 2023 presidential election.
SaharaReporters reported on Saturday that Wigwe; his wife, Chizoba, and son died in a helicopter crash, which occurred on Friday night in the United States.
Reacting to the death of the Wigwe and family members, French President, Macron; Director General of WTO, Okonjo-Iweala; and Obi in their separate condolence messages, expressed sadness over the incident.
In his condolence message on Facebook, President Macron said France has lost a friend, adding that Wigwe worked tirelessly to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and France through his leadership of the French-Nigeria Business Council.
Describing the late banker as a humanistic and talented entrepreneur, Macron expressed his heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
“France has lost a friend, Herbert Wigwe, President of the French Nigeria Business Council. A humanistic and talented entrepreneur. He tirelessly worked to strengthen the relationship between our two countries. Our heartfelt thoughts go to his family and loved ones," the message reads.
In a post on X, Nigeria's former finance minister, Okonjo-Iweala said she was "terribly saddened" by the death of Wigwe and his wife and son.
She wrote: "Terribly saddened by the news of the terrible loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO Access Bank @HerbertOWigwe, his wife and son as well as Bimbo Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash.
"My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Group employees and Management @myaccessbank and my younger Brother Herbert’s partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace."
The former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi in a statement he shared on his X (formerly Twitter) said the sudden death of Wigwe is tragic.
He described it as a great loss to Nigeria as a nation.
Obi, who described Wigwe as a determined and forward-thinking individual, however, noted that his contributions to the country extended beyond the professional realm, with commendable philanthropic efforts in health and education.
He said the death of Wigwe should be a reminder of life's fleeting nature. He, therefore, encouraged people to live with a purpose that contributes to the betterment of humanity.
"I'm deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of my dear friend, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings, along with his wife and son, and another close friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former group chairman of NGX Group," Obi stated in his condolence message.
"This loss is profoundly felt across the nation. I first met Herbert during his early days, on the brink of starting his marital journey. I vividly remember assisting him in preparing for his traditional wedding and being there for the ceremony with his wife, Chizoba, from Achina, Anambra State. Since then, I've maintained a connection to his endeavors in my own modest ways. Herbert, a determined and forward-thinking individual, led Access Bank to new heights following his brother Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
"His noteworthy contributions extended beyond the professional realm, with commendable philanthropic efforts in health and education, exemplified by the establishment of Wigwe University, showcasing his deep commitment to education as a driver of development.
"The loss of such an exceptional individual reminds us of life's fleeting nature, encouraging us to live with a purpose that contributes to the betterment of humanity.
"My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Herbert, his beloved wife, his son, and all those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash. May God grant them eternal rest and provide strength to Herbert's family, Access Holdings, and all of us mourning this irreplaceable loss."