By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The road to the Dangote Refinery in the Lekki area of Lagos State has been renamed after the late group chief executive of Access Holdings Plc, Mr Herbert Wigwe.
This development was announced on Monday night by the owner of the oil facility, Mr Aliko Dangote, during the Celebrating Herbert Wigwe’s Professional Legacy, who said this gesture was to immortalise his friend.
The Nigerian billionaire businessman and the richest black man on earth, in an emotional tribute to the late banker, who died in a helicopter crash in the United States on February 9, 2024, along with his wife and son, said he would always remember him for his fearless policy.
“He was a pillar of strength and support for me and my family. He was proud to be part of my success story and I am proud to call him a dear friend.
“It will be impossible to find another Herbert. His courage was second to none and was really fearless, not scared of anything.
“We shared a common principle of perseverance. Bidding farewell to a brother, mentee and friend is indeed a hard task for me. I am consoled that Herbert had run a successful race and has gone to a better place.
“To immortalize my beloved friend, brother and mentee, I have decided to name our major refinery and petrochemical road, out of the 120km, the biggest road, will now be named Herbert Wigwe,” a tearful Mr Dangote said.
The tribute, held in Lagos, was attended by the host governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his Ogun State counterpart, Mr Dapo Abiodun.
Others were his longtime friend and business partner, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imokuede; the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Yemi Cardoso; the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun; the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr Akinwumi Adesina; the chief executive of GTCO, Mr Segun Agbaje; and the chief executive of Access Bank, Mr Roosevelt Ogbonna, among others.
The late banker will be buried in Isiokpo, Rivers State on March 9, 2024, after a combined funeral service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lion of Judah Parish.
