Sanwo-Olu said Wigwe had a special history with Isale Eko, and Lagos would immortalise him, haven being born at Island Maternity Hospital.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Monday promised to immortalise the late founder of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, who was born at the Island Maternity Hospital in the state.
Sanwo-Olu made the pledge at an event in Lagos to celebrate Wigwe tagged “Celebrating Herbert Wigwe – A Professional Legacy”.
The event was divided into six segments – Young Hebert, the banker, the entrepreneur, the CEO, the builder and the ambassador.
The governor narrated his last conversation with Wigwe on Thursday, February 8, where lofty ideas were discussed.
“This was the last conversation that I will keep on my phone for a long time,” he said.
He said that Wigwe was a man who always had good stories and supported several projects of his administration and driving him to take up new challenges.
“Herbert was one of the very first people that supported my ambition generously,” he said.
He said it was unbelievable how a man could give so much, including his words of encouragement.
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Sanwo-Olu revealed how Wigwe collaborated with other partners to cushion the effects of COVID-19 during the dreaded global pandemic.
“Herbert led from the front, encouraged and stood with the state government. I have indeed lost a big friend,” he said.
He said Wigwe and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the former group managing director of Access Bank, took a trip with him to Cairo to pursue visions of Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu said Wigwe had a special history with Isale Eko, and Lagos would immortalise him, haven being born at Island Maternity Hospital.
He said if places of birth mattered, Wigwe should be of Isale Eko origin, noting, “Herbert has transcended beyond borders.
“Lagos will not forget Herbert Wigwe. We will support the family,” he said.
Also present at the event were businessman Aliko Dangote, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, minister of finance Wale Edun, CBN governor Olayemi Cardoso, former CBN governor Lamido Sanusi, businessman Femi Otedola among others.
Tributes of President Bola Tinubu, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, France President, Emmanuel Macron, and former US President Bill Clinton’s were read at the event.