Like an ancient mariner whose heartbeat dwarfs echoes of his incredible exploits, Herbert Wigwe, the MD of Access Bank, commands the awe of many of his peers and admirers in Nigeria’s socio-political and business sector. There is no gainsaying the world of business is like a dangerous coast riddled with storms. But despite its turbulent tides, the handsome banker, like a sea-hardened sailor navigates through the gales armed with a strong resolve and unyielding spirit.
Although he has every reason to shake his garment like the branches of the teak in spring and let his joy glow like the fireflies that light up the fields and quiet meadows, but Herbert Wigwe is celebrating quietly.
Few men are wrought of such transcendent capacity for genius as Herbert Wigwe. The top banker pulsates exceptional intellect and that singular forthrightness that imbues philosophy with logic and sound theory. Typical of his self-effacing nature, as Herbert Wigwe clocks 51 today, 15th August, he won’t roll out the drums, neither would he throw a big party in typical Nigerian big man fashion.
After all, even for his landmark 50th birthday last year, the society did not quake in celebration of a high-achieving young man. It is his style. He wears his badge of temperance and humility in the shape of a subtly hued bowtie thus affirming that he is a gentleman. Though he has friends across all spheres of the society, the MD of Access Bank Plc is a reserved man. But there would be cause to celebrate him on all his birthday because of the turnaround of Access Bank which he has propelled to dizzying heights.
The seasons pass but Herbert remains grand, like the nurturant guardian whose tenderness and warmth blesses the land. In 51 years, he has blossomed into a man of affluence and integrity. Fifty one years may be a tiny fraction of time, yet the miracle-working banker looms large across generations into eternity.
The story of his exquisite manhood resonates with a pleasant peal. To his staff, family, friends, beneficiaries and other loved ones, his smiles have been their anchor, his shoulders their rampart of comfort. Now the paradigm for technological innovations in banking in Nigeria, Access Bank’s introduction of Paywithcapture 5, Africa’s first digital banking platform and many more, is one of the reasons Herbert deserves all the garlands and bouquets on his birthday.
