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Access Bank has announced the appointment of Bolaji Agbede as the interim CEO, following the tragic demise of Herbert Wigwe, the former CEO, in a devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five others.

Herbert Wigwe, a stalwart in the banking industry, was more than just a CEO; he was a visionary who had led Access Bank to unprecedented heights.

In 2002, Wigwe and his business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede made the acquisition of Access Bank. However, their purchase encountered delays due to concerns from the Central Bank of Nigeria regarding their perceived youthfulness for bank ownership.

Nevertheless, from 2002 to 2017, the bank witnessed substantial growth, eventually becoming the fourth largest bank in Nigeria. During the period spanning from 2002 to 2014, Wigwe held the position of the company’s deputy managing director.

Furthermore, Wigwe assumed the role of chairman at Access Bank Ghana Limited in 2013, demonstrating his expanding influence within the Access Bank Group.

From January 2014 until his unfortunate demise, Wigwe served as both the CEO and group managing director of Access Bank, steering the institution through a period of significant transformation, including the merge with its competitor, Diamond Bank in 2018.

Despite ambitious plans to expand the bank’s reach into Asia in early 2024, Wigwe tragically passed away before any formal expansion initiatives could be launched.

Under his leadership, Access Bank had emerged as Nigeria’s largest bank and Africa’s leading bank by customer base, with over 600 branches and service outlets spanning three continents and serving 36 million customers.

Bolaji Agbede, the newly appointed interim CEO, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. With nearly 30 years of experience in banking and business consultancy, Agbede is a seasoned professional who has been an integral part of Access Bank’s journey since joining in 2003.

In her capacity as the Head of HR for the Access Bank Group since 2010, Agbede has overseen the successful integration of people and culture during several mergers and acquisitions. These include Marina International Bank, Capital Bank, Intercontinental Bank Plc, and Diamond Bank Plc.

Her strategic leadership in this area has been crucial in maintaining a cohesive organizational culture amidst change, ensuring that Access Bank remains a pioneer in its industry.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Agbede is also known for her advocacy efforts, particularly in promoting gender equality and equity within the banking sector. Initiatives such as paternity leave, extended maternity leave, and the establishment of the Bank’s Crèche highlight her commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

With her extensive experience in banking operations, human resources management, and customer relationship management, Agbede is well-equipped to lead Access Bank through this period of transition.

Herbert Wigwe, Access Bank CEO Dies in helicopter crash

Her appointment comes at a critical juncture for the bank as it continues to pursue its strategic goals of deepening its presence across Africa and delivering innovative solutions to its customers.

Access Bank’s contribution to the Nigerian economy is profound and multifaceted.

As Nigeria’s largest bank and one of Africa’s biggest, Access Bank plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, fostering financial inclusion, and supporting sustainable development initiatives.

Access Bank’s financial support for NGOs and similar institutions has stimulated economic activity, createed employment opportunities, and improved the standard of living for Nigerians.

Through collaborations with NGOs, government agencies, and other institutions, Access Bank has driven inclusive growth, reduced poverty, and boosted infrastructure development.

The bank’s agency banking network provides essential financial services to over 500,000 unbanked Nigerians, empowering individuals and businesses to participate more fully in the economy.

Access Bank’s payment solutions, including AccessPay, has further enhanced efficiency in Nigeria’s business environment by offering secure, reliable, and convenient payment options.

Moreover, the bank’s contract financing structures support businesses and contractors involved in various projects across Nigeria, stimulating economic activity, creating jobs, and promoting entrepreneurship.

Access Bank’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction is evident through its robust digital banking solutions.

The AccessMore app, a mobile payment platform offering personalized services, and the access bank ussd code *901# provide customers with convenient and secure banking experiences at their fingertips.

Whether it’s checking balances, transferring funds, paying bills, or accessing instant loans, Access Bank’s digital offerings cater to the diverse needs of its customers.