Wigwe’s Death: Aig-Imoukhuede, Pioneer Access Bank CEO, Back As Access Holdings Chairman

Access Holdings Plc has announced Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Access Bank pioneer Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO), as its Non-Executive Chairman.

Mr Sunday Ekwochi, Company Secretary, Access Holdings, said this in a disclosure sent to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) on Wenesday in Lagos.

Ekwochi said that Aig-Imoukhuede would replace Mr Abubakar Jimoh, the erstwhile Chairman of the Holdings, who remains on the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

He stated that return of Aig-Imoukhuede was in response to the untimely passing of the immediate past Group CEO of Access Holdings, Dr Herbert Wigwe.

According to him, following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the Holdings Board unanimously decided to invite Aig-Imoukhuede to the helm of governance of the group.

Ekwochi said: “This visionary and accomplished leader is bringing an outstanding record of accomplishments, wealth of expertise and leadership to guide the group into a new era of success.

“With an illustrious career spanning several decades in the banking and finance sector, Aig-Imoukhuede has proven to be an exceptional and influential leader.

“Having admirably laid a solid foundation for Access Bank’s success as Group CEO between 2002 and 2013, ably supported by his partner and deputy, the late Dr Herbert Wigwe, who later succeeded him.

According to him, under Aig-Imoukhuede’s leadership, Access Bank experienced remarkable growth and established itself as a trusted financial institution within the community.

The company secretary noted that the bank transformed from a minor player into one of Nigeria’s top five banks with presence in nine other African countries and the United Kingdom.

Ekwochi revealed that under Aig-Imoukhuede’s stewardship, Access Bank grew its customer base from 10 thousand to over six million with more than 5,000 employees and an asset base of 12 billion US dollars.

He said Access Bank, under the pioneer Group CEO, achieved numerous milestones and became a globally recognised name, adding that Aig-Imoukhuede’s

strategic vision, innovative thinking, and deep market insight were instrumental to shaping the bank’s success.

“Following Aig-Imoukhuede’s retirement as the bank’s CEO in December 2013, he co-founded the Tengen Family Office Ltd. The office oversees a significant portfolio of investments and businesses in banking, finance, insurance, technology, real estate, and energy.

“Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, he is focused on building Nigeria’s next generation of government leaders, helping transform public sector effectiveness, and improving access to quality primary health care.

“The decision to bring back Aig-Imoukhuede as the Group’s Non-Executive Chairman reflects the Board’s commitment to our core values and determination to build upon the strong foundation, he jointly established with Wigwe.

“With his return, Access Holdings aims to leverage his extensive experience, industry knowledge, and exceptional leadership skills to consolidate on the growth and accomplishments recorded under Wigwe’s leadership.

“In his new role as Non-Executive Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede will collaborate with the Board of Directors to oversee strategy and provide guidance to the executive management team.

“His return is not only a testament to his unwavering dedication to Access Group but also a clear demonstration of the Board’s confidence in his ability to lead the Group to new heights,” the company secretary said.

According to him, the entire Access Group family, including employees, customers, and stakeholders, eagerly anticipates Aig-Imoukhuede’s return and looks forward to a promising future under his leadership.

Ekwochi said that with Aig-Imoukhuede’s

expertise, passion, and commitment, the Access Group is poised to embark on a new chapter of impact and sustainable success.

In his reaction, Mr Abubakar Jimoh, past Chairman, Access Holdings expressed his excitement on the development.

Jimoh stated that Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment to the Board and subsequent election as chairman is a landmark development for Access Holdings, as the board members are excited about their future with the firm.

Commenting, Aig-Imoukhuede said he was thrilled to be back in active service to the Access Group ecosystem.

He expressed that the determined shared vision which Wigwe gave everything for, will be realised.

“I am confident that working with our directors, our exceptional team of executives and our best-in-class banking and finance professionals, we will deliver outstanding value to our esteemed stakeholders,” he said.

Access Holdings Plc operates through a network of more than 600 branches and service outlets, spanning three continents, 18 countries and over 60 million customers.

The company serves its various markets through four business segments namely: Retail Business, Commercial and Corporate, and has enjoyed what is Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last twenty years. (NAN, except for rejigged headline)