Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTHC), delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late businessman, Herbert Wigwe, during a gathering of professionals and colleagues in Lagos on Monday.
Agbaje shared poignant memories and anecdotes, shedding light on Wigwe’s remarkable journey from Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) to becoming a visionary leader in the banking industry.
Reflecting on their shared history, Agbaje reminisced about the early days at GTB when he first encountered Wigwe in November 1991.
Describing Wigwe as a man with unwavering determination and a unique approach, Agbaje recalled how Wigwe’s distinctive style and banking acumen quickly earned him respect among his peers.
“He drove a red golf. Who drives a red golf? Only a man who’s that brazen drives around in a red golf,” Agbaje remarked, highlighting Wigwe’s fearless demeanor and unconventional spirit.
Agbaje fondly remembered Wigwe’s exceptional skills as a credit analyst and his unparalleled ability to forge connections and deliver results. He emphasized Wigwe’s courage and ambition, noting how he ventured into real estate and acquired his first flat in Victoria Island, Lagos, while his peers hesitated to leave their family homes.
The GTHC group chief also shared a significant moment in their careers when he and Wigwe were promoted to Executive Directors of GTB on the same day.
However, Agbaje acknowledged Wigwe’s decision to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams, which ultimately led him to co-found Access Bank.
“Herbert had bigger dreams than the bank, and so they bought their own bank,” Agbaje said, reflecting on Wigwe’s bold decision to chart his own path in the banking sector.
Agbaje expressed admiration for Wigwe’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering commitment to his vision. He revealed that their last conversation, just two weeks before Wigwe’s tragic passing in a helicopter crash, centered on Wigwe’s passion project — the university he was building.
In closing, Agbaje paid tribute to Wigwe’s indelible legacy, describing him as a titan who accomplished more in his 57 years than many could in multiple lifetimes.
“I have but one little comfort when I think of Herbert. It is that Herbert packed into 57 years what most exceptional people will never pack into two lifetimes,” Agbaje concluded, honoring the enduring legacy of a visionary leader and dear friend.
Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife, son, and other passengers, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the United States on February 10, 2024.
