Weeks after the death of Herbert Wigwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, his wife, Chizoba; and son, Chizzy in a fatal helicopter crash near the California-Nevada border, funeral arrangements are out.
Plans to honour them span from March 4 to March 10, 2024, as detailed in a schedule obtained by BusinessDay newspaper. The somber events include various ceremonies and services to pay tribute to the departed souls.
Elsewhere, The Cable newspaper is reporting that the United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced in a preliminary report that law enforcement officers and witnesses in vehicles saw the helicopter carrying the late trio and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) as a “fireball” before its eventual crash.
Not one of the six people onboard the chopper with registration N130CZ survived.
In the report, the NTSB said the witnesses reported that the weather on the fateful day of the helicopter crash was a mix of rain and snow.
The board said the automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) technology built in the helicopter that provides the position of an aircraft, recorded an increase in ground speed before the crash.
“The accident flight departed Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) at 2045 under visual flight rules and flew a northwesterly heading for about 2 miles before following US Highway 111 to Interstate (I) 10 at altitudes varying between 2,500 – 3,000 ft mean sea level (msl),” the report read in part.
“The helicopter continued along I-10, crossed over San Bernadino International Airport, San Bernadino, California, and then followed I-215 to I-15.
“The helicopter followed I-15 toward the planned destination of Boulder City Municipal Airport (BVU), Boulder City, Nevada, climbed between 4,000 – 5,500 ft msl, then descended to about 3,500 ft msl near Barstow, California, where the ADS-B track data was lost about 2146, likely due to terrain interference.
“ADS-B data resumed at 2207 near the Halloran Springs/I-15 exit west of the accident location. The last ADS-B data points for the flight tracked east-southeast, gradually descended in altitude, and increased in ground speed (see Figures 1 and 2).
“The accident site was located 0.31 miles east-southeast of the last data point at an elevation of about 3,360 ft msl.
“According to law enforcement, several witnesses who were traveling in vehicles on I-15, called 911 to report observing a ‘fireball’ to the south.
“The witnesses reported the weather conditions in the area were “not good” and raining with a snow mix. The accident site was located by law enforcement at 2346.”
The board said the “wreckage was located in high mountainous desert and scrub brush covered terrain, and
debris were scattered about 300 ft along a 120° magnetic heading from the initial impact point”.
“All major helicopter components were identified at the accident site,” the report indicated. .
Details of the funeral arrangements shows that Monday, March 4, 2024 marks the Bankers Committee’s Celebration of Herbert, followed by a Service of Songs for Chizzy on Tuesday morning, March 5, 2024 and another Service of Songs for the deceased Wigwes in the evening of the same day.
On Wednesday March 6, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, a commemoration event will celebrate Herbert’s impactful contributions in the Social Impact Space, followed by an Evening Service of Songs for Herbert at Redeemed Christian Church, City of David Parish.
Thursday, March 7 is dedicated to a Service of Songs at Herbert’s Dad’s parish, along with the somber tasks of traveling to PH for Chizzy’s funeral service and interment, as well as holding Service of Songs for Herbert and his wife.
According to the schedule, Friday, March 8 is designated for the final farewell, with Funeral services and interments planned for both Herbert & Mrs. Wigwe.
Saturday, March 9 will be a day to receive guests, while Sunday, March 10 will culminate in a Thanksgiving Service to honor the lives and legacies of the departed.
Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, a revered Nigerian banker and entrepreneur, passed away at the age of 57. As the CEO of Access Holdings Plc and former Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, his leadership transformed a small commercial bank into a global financial institution.
Born on August 15, 1966, to Ikwerre parents from Omueke Isiokpo in Rivers State, Herbert attended St. Gregory’s College in Lagos for his secondary education. He later graduated with a degree in accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1987. Herbert Wigwe’s legacy encompasses not only his professional achievements but also his philanthropy and visionary leadership.