{
  "id": 935002,
  "title": "Herbert Wigwe @ 60: A Legacy of Banking, Service, Nation-building",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/herbert-wigwe-60-a-legacy-of-banking-service-nation-building",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-15T02:15:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/08/15/herbert-wigwe-60-a-legacy-of-banking-service-nation-building/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, the late Nigerian banker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, would have celebrated his 60th birthday today. Known for his significant contributions to the banking sector, education, healthcare, and youth development both in Nigeria and globally, Wigwe was instrumental in transforming and expanding Access Bank. Beyond his banking career, he was deeply committed to building institutions, supporting young people, and creating opportunities for disadvantaged communities. As a mentor to many, Wigwe believed in the potential of individuals to achieve more when provided with the right opportunities. As the Co-Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank and later Access Holdings, Wigwe played a pivotal role in the bank's growth, transforming it into a financial services group with operations spanning multiple countries. His ambitions extended beyond Nigeria, aiming to create an African institution capable of competing on a global scale. In addition to his banking achievements, Wigwe held the position of Chairman of the Bankers’ Committee, actively engaging in discussions on critical issues impacting Nigeria’s banking industry and economy. He collaborated with government officials, regulators, and other business leaders, emphasizing the private sector's responsibility to contribute to national development and address social and economic challenges. The HOW Foundation, established in 2016, was a testament to Wigwe's belief that business success should positively impact society. The Foundation supported numerous initiatives in education, healthcare, mentorship, and youth development, including educational assistance for disadvantaged children, healthcare programs in Makoko and for Almajiri children, medical scholarships, and specialist oncology training. Additionally, Wigwe University, a project reflecting his conviction in education's transformative power, received its operating license in 2023. Despite Wigwe's passing in February 2024, his vision continues through initiatives like the Fearless Leadership Series and the Wigwe Venture Lab, inspiring a new generation of African leaders. As his family, friends, and associates commemorate what would have been his 60th birthday, Wigwe's legacy endures, characterized by ambition, institution-building, philanthropy, and service.",
  "summary": "Omolabake Fasogbon Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, the late banker, entrepreneur and philanthropist, would have turned 60 today, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence banking, education, healthcare and youth",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}