Victor EzejaNigerian billionaire businessman and founder of Dangote group, Aliko Dangote, has renamed the 120km road leading to his Oil Refinery, located in Lagos State after late former CEO of Access Holdings, Dr Herbert Wigwe.
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Dangote made this known during a special event on Monday held in honour of the late top banker at Eko Hotel, Lagos, tagged ‘Celebrating Herbert Wigwe – A Professional Legacy’.
The gesture is a way of immortalizing Wigwe in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the refinery project.
Prime Business Africa had reported that Wigwe died alongside his wife, son and former group chairman of Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbajo, in a helicopter accident that occured on February 9 2024 near a border town between California and Nevada in the United States of America.
Dangote described Wigwe’s virtues to include dedication and expertise, adding that he was trustworthy mentee who was always ready to go extra mile to support him, his company, and his family.
He said: “To immoratalise my beloved friend, my brother, and mentee, I’ve actually decided to name our major refinery and petrochemical road-out of the 120km road, the biggest road will now be named Herbert Wigwe.”
“I am proud to name it after him, my devoted friend, mentee, and supporter. I will forever cherish the warmth of his friendship”, Dangote added.
Some of the dignitaries at the event were Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso; Minister of Finance, Wale Edu; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu; President of African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina; Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola; Managing Director of Access Bank in Ghana, Dolapo Ogundimo.
Others were Atedo Peterside, a Nigerian entrepreneur, and investment banker; Group CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun Agbaje; and President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Ken Opara.
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised Wigwe’s accomplishment in the banking industry.
He also highlighted the role Wigwe and a few others played in mitigating some of the hazards associated with COVID-19.
Herbert Wigwe was also honored by the AFDB President, Akinwunmi Adesina, who acknowledged his significant achievements that have made Nigeria and all of Africa proud.
Akinwunmi added that “Wigwe epitomizes relentlessness, determination, boldness, vision, and inspiration, coupled with an exceptional drive for excellence. Every endeavor undertaken by Wigwe turned into a success story, akin to transforming everything he touched into gold.”
On his part, the CBN governor, Yemi Cardoso said: “today, we gather to honour the life and legacy of a truly exceptional individual. Herbert passing on February 9, 2024 was a sudden and profound loss. Yet as we come to terms with this loss, it is important that we celebrate the life of a man who dedicated himself to excellence and service.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
