The world literally converged on the quiet town of Isiokpo, headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday to join family members to pay their last respects to Dr. Hebert Wigwe, former Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank PLC, his wife Chizoba and son, Chizi, who were killed in a helicopter crash in California, USA on February 9.
The list of eminent guests was endless as they filled the RCCG Lion of Judah auditorium venue of the funeral service and the premises. At the head of the Nigerian government delegation was the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who said the sterling legacies that Wigwe left behind would forever speak for him.
Other dignitaries included Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, his counterparts from Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Abia, Alex Otti, Ogun, Fapp Abiodun, Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno, and Bayelsa, Douye Diri. Others were Aliko Dangote of the Dangote Group, Wale Edun, Minister of Finance, Peter Obi, former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Atedo Peterside, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former Central Bank Governor, and Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, Hebert’s partner.
There were also former governors Bukola Saraki of Kwara, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Kayode Fayemi and Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti, Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe, Rotimi Amaechi and Celestine Omehia of Rivers and Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun.
Pastor Adesoji Oni, who gave the homily, said the late Bank CEO made an impact with his life and that was why a whole community and indeed the entire world was mourning his death. “Life is not about the duration. But it is about the impact you made in it,” he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, the sudden death of Wigwe and his family members should serve as a lesson to the political class, who get too desperate about positions and office. “What’s the struggle all about? You want to kill; you want to bury,” when they should be impacting the lives of the people. “Let’s go home with that message,” he said.
Fubara promised to sustain the legacies of the late Wigwe, particularly the Wigwe University, which he initiated. He also praised the governor of Lagos State, who he said had taken the shine of the burial off him by following up with the programme from Lagos to Isiokpo.
The deceased were later on buried at a private cemetery at a ceremony witnessed by the immediate family and a select group of officiating ministers.
The cream of Rivers people including former governors Nyesom Wike, Omehia former governorship candidates, Tonye Cole, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, former Green Eagles star, Adokiye Amiesimaka, and a host of guests from other parts of Nigeria and the world attended the wake ceremonies that took place on Friday evening at Isiokpo.
Meanwhile, the people of Isiokpo have been lamenting the death of Dr. Herbert Wigwe.
In an interview with National Point, Chief Green Wogu, in a choking voice, said Dr. Herbert Wigwe was gone but the scars of his death would live with the people for a long time.
“The man we are burying today is a household name and he is everything Isiokpo represents, He was a beacon of light; an enigma; the pivot on which Isiokpo stood. We cannot forget him in a hurry, a man everybody gravitate towards; part of his developmental strides, I have benefitted.
“Inasmuch as he brought university to Isiokpo community he also brought roads, electricity and banks. He also established water project and every December we feel the impact of Herbert Wigwe. He had his hands in so many activities that made Isiokpo more of a tourist centre. He sponsored carnivals that even brought people from overseas,” Chief Wogu said.
Speaking further, Wogu said apart from the Wigwe University, part of the land he acquired in Isiokpo was for industrial development with the aim of giving Isiokpo youths employment. “There are three to four industries he was to set inaugurate. He was a gentleman that thought not of himself alone but also of his people. Our hearts are broken, who will give scholarships again? He has put Isiokpo in the limelight.
“How can the women, the commoners in December say Herbert rice is coming? In December you will see trailer loads of rice, cow, goats and money will be shared in the community, “Herbert Wigwe is gone but the scar remains.”
On her part, Mrs. Justina Anele, praised Wigwe and raised concern on the fate of the women in Isiokpo. “Dr. Wigwe was an extremely good man in our community and Nigeria as a whole. He took care of the poor. Every year, he contributed to all the community and family in Isiokpo. “Wigwe brought us rice, rams and money every year and also give scholarship. We doubt, if we can have another person like Dr. Herbert Wigwe,” she lamented.
Mrs. Anele said kidnapping, crude oil bunkering and other social vices ended in Isiokpo because Herbert Wigwe engaged and empowered the youths. “The less privileged are crying because nobody is there for them anymore.”
