Adeboye’s message partly read, “Dr Wigwe was not only an
accomplished professional but a fine gentleman, possessing a prodigious
intellect, admirable personal qualities and business acumen. His dedication to
philanthropy, nation-building, advocacy for children’s literacy and love for
the arts made him a remarkable individual.
“More importantly, his commitment to the Christian faith and
active involvement in spreading the gospel were exemplary. We share in your
profound grief during his challenging time. The void left by Dr Herbert will be
felt and his absence deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Paying tribute to the deceased banking whiz, the immediate past
Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, recalled that Wigwe never
asked him for a favour throughout his eight years in office.
He said, “I have known him for so many years. I’m not even
sure how many years. While I was in office for the entire eight, Herbert called
me practically every other month, just to say, ‘How are you doing?’ never
asking for a favour. But two months before I left office, he called me and said
he needed to see me. So, I thought, he must have some issue and he came with a
notebook. I was very surprised because Herbert never comes with a notebook and
he said that he wanted to know what my plans were after I left office. I
laughed over it and he insisted and took note very diligently of everything
that I said I wanted to do. Thereafter he visited me no less than three times
before I left office.
“The Thursday before
he died, he called me on Tuesday and said he was going to come see me in Abuja
on Thursday and he did. We spent about three hours reviewing practically everything,
the university, the philanthropy (initiatives) he was involved in, everything.”
Speaking further, Osinbajo said that the deceased was one
who walked the talk when it comes to friendship
“I don’t think any
event in recent times for me in particular has made it clear how important
friendships and relationships are. Herbert was one who walked the talk of
brotherhood and friendship,” he said.
Consoling the bereaved children, the former VP said, “No
amount of words can heal your hearts but that you are not alone in your
grief. This tragedy has troubled so
many, both young and old. A deep dark cloud hangs over our hearts.
“This event has confronted me and many of us with our own
mortality. One thing I will like you to know especially, the children. The
manner of death is not as important to God; John was beheaded, Stephen was
stoned to death, Elisha died of an ailment. What is important to God is the
difference between dying and perishing.”
After the series of events in Lagos, activities will move to
Rivers State for the Christian Wake-Keeping Friday at Wigwe University,
Isiokpo, followed by a Combined Funeral Service on Saturday at RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo and then
a private interment ceremony. The final event is the outing service on Sunday
at RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo.
Some dignitaries at the service of songs include billionaire
businessman, Aliko Dangote; Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; Chairman of
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
Ola Olukoyede; Senior Pastor of
This Present House, Tony Rapu; lead pastor of the Trinity House Church, Lagos,
Ituah Ighodalo; Senior Pastor of the House On The Rock church, Paul Adefarasin and his wife, Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin and a
former Access Bank chairman, Dr Dere Awosika, among others.
