Herbert Wigwe @ 60: Celebrating a Life of Impact

Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, the late banker, entrepreneur and philanthropist, would have celebrated his 60th birthday today. Born on August 15, 1966, Wigwe left an indelible mark on Nigeria and beyond through his contributions to the banking sector, education, healthcare and youth development. Prior to his work in the financial industry, Wigwe began his career at Coopers & Lybrand Associates, an international firm of Chartered Accountants, and later spent over a decade at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, where he held various positions, including Executive Director.

In 2002, he joined Access Bank, eventually becoming its Group Managing Director and CEO until 2022. Wigwe was also the Co-Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank and its successor, Access Holdings, playing a pivotal role in the institution's growth into an African financial services group. Beyond banking, Wigwe established The HOW Foundation in 2016, which focused on education, healthcare, mentorship and youth development.

The Foundation's initiatives included educational support for disadvantaged children, medical scholarships and specialist oncology training. Additionally, Wigwe founded Wigwe University, reflecting his belief in education's power to transform Africa. Despite his death in February 2024, the institutions he built and the lives he touched continue to uphold his legacy.

The HOW Foundation, Wigwe University and other initiatives continue to inspire future leaders and create opportunities for disadvantaged communities.