Things never known about Herbert Wigwe, daughter reveals

Tochi Wigwe, daughter of Dr Herbert Wigwe, the late CEO of Access Holdings Plc, shared hitherto unknown details about him as a devoted parent and family man this night, Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

Tochi did this while sharing condolences for the 57-year-old with numerous other friends and relatives at the Night of Tributes at the Eko Hotel on Victoria Island in Lagos.

The funeral services for Wigwe, his wife, and their son began on Monday, March 4, 2024.

They died in a helicopter crash in the United States on February 9, 2024.

"I used to tell my father that I disliked public speaking, and he attempted to persuade me that he did as well. But it's something he had to do, so I'm going to do my best to be fearless," Tochi said on stage, flanked by a group of pals.

"For the first time, your comments have struck an deep connection within me. I no longer want to bend my head and squint in perplexity. "You were simply extraordinary," she said.

She remembered how her father was motivated, focused, and consistently exceeded expectations.

"You pushed me to reach new heights I never dreamed. Whenever uncertainty crept into my thoughts, you would chuckle knowingly and remark, 'You truly just don't know whose child you are; you'll soon find out.' And, once again, you were correct: I have come to find out.

"I could never understand how you managed to do it all; it seemed impossible. "Making everything you touched gold while remaining a steadfast anchor for your family and friends," she continued.

She also described how her father travelled by plane to meet her for only a few minutes while she studied abroad.

"Distance meant nothing to you."

“You traveled continents on a whim just to see me for a couple of minutes before heading back to your responsibilities,” she added.

Tochi noted that these were a testament to his steadfast and ever-constant love.

She referred to her father as a feminist and a champion of equality.

“According to him, my mother Hannah and I were the most beautiful and my nickname was also ‘pretty.’

"Who will prompt me to flash a peace sign in every photo; who will engage in marathon debates with my friends and myself on flights to Cape Town; who will inquire "what are they saying about me online today?" and who will ask about my thoughts on Wigwe University.

"You were Paradox, a tower of strength with a soft heart. You can never raise your voice at me without calling me an hour later to apologise.

“Your influence extended far beyond our family circle.

“You effortlessly convinced my friends that their futures lay in Nigeria, urging them to elevate their aspirations.

“You’ve left me with enormous shoes to fill but you’ve also gifted me with an unwavering support system.

“You nurtured your relationships with such care that you’ve bestowed upon me farthest to guide and protect me for that I’m eternally grateful.

“I love you deeply and I ache for the day we will be reunited to resume our cherished gossip sessions to continue our pep talks about life and everything in between with all my love, Mama T, aka. Your Pretty,” she concluded.

The funeral programmes continue today, Thursday, March 7, 2024, with Combined Service of Songs at RCCG, Resurrection Parish, 1 Ressurection Drive, 1st Gate, Jakande Estate, Km 15 Lekki, at 10am.

On Friday, March 8, is the Christian Wake-Keeping at Wigwe University, Isiokpo, Rivers State at 7pm.

The Combined Funeral Service will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, at RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish in Isiokpo.

The private interment ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, March 9.

The final Outing Service will be held at RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo, on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.