President Bola Tinubu has described the death of Mr Herbert Wigwe and Mr Abimbola Ogunbanjo and members of the Wigwe family as a rude shock.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, saying Tinubu has received an oficial confirmation of the event.

Wigwe was the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc and Founder of How Foundation while Ogunbanjo was former Group Chairman of the NigeriaExchange Group Plc.

Ngelale said Tinubu mourned these exceptional Nigerian business leaders and described their passing as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”

“The President condoles with the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by this harrowing incident.

“President Tinubu prays for the peaceful repose of the departed and asks God Almighty to comfort the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonizing moment.”

In a statement, the management of Acces Holding said: “Dr. Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024 in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.

“The entire Access Family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen and Chizi. We extend our deep and sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones.

“Dr. Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002.”