In a poignant turn of events, Access Holdings Plc has announced the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as its Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, following the heartbreaking loss of Dr. Herbert Wigwe. The former CEO’s life was tragically cut short in a helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of his family and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, on Friday.
The banking institution, still reeling from the shock of this untimely demise, made the announcement on February 13, 2024, as it navigates through this period of profound sorrow and transition. The appointment of Ms. Agbede, a seasoned professional within the banking sector, marks a significant move to ensure leadership continuity and operational stability in the aftermath of such a profound loss.
Ms. Agbede’s journey with Access Bank began in 2003 when she joined as an Assistant General Manager. Her career, spanning nearly three decades, is distinguished by her contributions to banking and business consultancy services. Her deep-rooted experience and understanding of the financial sector are expected to be invaluable as Access Holdings Plc seeks to uphold the legacy of its late CEO while forging ahead with its strategic objectives.
The Board of Directors, in their statement dated February 12, 2024, emphasized that Ms. Agbede’s appointment is pending approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria. This move is part of a broader leadership transition process that the company initiated on February 11, 2024, aiming to maintain the organization’s stability and ensure a smooth continuation of its operations.
This leadership change comes at a crucial time for Access Holdings Plc, as the company mourns the loss of a visionary leader. Dr. Herbert Wigwe’s contributions to the financial industry and his dynamic leadership at Access Bank were instrumental in the bank’s growth and its reputation as a leading financial institution in Nigeria and across Africa.
The appointment of Ms. Agbede is not just a testament to her remarkable career and expertise but also signifies the resilience and forward-looking approach of Access Holdings Plc in the face of adversity. As the banking community and the wider public mourn the loss of Dr. Wigwe and his family, the focus is also on embracing the future and the continuity of the legacy he left behind.
In these challenging times, the leadership and staff of Access Holdings Plc are committed to honoring the memory of their former CEO by continuing to deliver exceptional service and uphold the values of excellence and integrity that he championed. With Ms. Bolaji Agbede at the helm, the company is poised to navigate through this transition with dignity and strength, ensuring that the vision and strategic direction of Access Holdings Plc remain steadfast.
