The Wigwe family is currently grappling with sorrow following the tragic demise of their son, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe.
Herbert met his untimely end in a devastating helicopter crash near the California-Nevada border on Friday night, along with his wife, son, and three others, according to The Will.
In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, an outpouring of sympathy has seen numerous well-wishers converge at the residence of Shyngle Wigwe, Herbert’s father, offering solace and support during this challenging period.
Shyngle Wigwe has lost two – his eldest, 34-year-old Osita, died in a road accident while travelling from Lagos to Port Harcourt.
Born on October 8, 1934, to Augustus Wigwe, a police officer, and Watuze Wigwe in Isiokpo, Rivers state, Shyngle Wigwe was more than just a father figure; he was a man of diverse accomplishments, serving as a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Shyngle’s educational journey led him through Okrika Grammar School (1949-1953) and Yaba Technical Institute (1957-1959), where he acquired a foundation in engineering.
His career commenced in 1954 at the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). In 1959, he ventured to England, securing the BBC training course and a federal scholarship.
Continuing his education, Shyngle attended Southampton Technical College, UK (1960-1962), and the University of Pittsburgh (until 1979).
Notably, as a military officer, Shyngle stood alongside figures like Olusegun Obasanjo and Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu during Nigeria’s first military coup in January 1966.
He actively participated in the civil war of 1967 on the side of Biafra, concluding his military career as a captain in 1970.
Shyngle’s professional journey saw him rise through the ranks, from general manager at NTA Port-Harcourt to eventually becoming the director-general of the organization.
His contributions extended beyond the military and broadcasting; he served as a senior lecturer at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria engineering training school in Lagos.