Ancient Isiokpo Kingdom Mourns Herbert Wigwe; declares 8 days of mourning
By; Al Humphrey Onyanabo
The ancient Isiokpo Kingdom in Rivers State was plunged into a state of mourning and profound sadness last Saturday upon receiving the devastating news of the untimely demise of its beloved hero, Mr. Herbert Wigwe. The esteemed banker, renowned for his excellence in the financial sector and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the less privileged, tragically lost his life alongside his wife and son in a plane crash in the United States.
In honor of Mr. Wigwe’s extraordinary achievements and immeasurable impact on the community, the Ancient Isiokpo Kingdom has declared eight days of mourning, which will commence on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. During this period, grief-stricken citizens will gather at the famous Isiokpo roundabout, paying homage to their fallen hero through a solemn procession that will traverse the town.
To mark their deep admiration and respect for Mr. Wigwe, all indigenes of Isiokpo, regardless of their whereabouts, have been urged to wear a black band on their arms throughout the mourning period. This symbolic gesture serves as a testament to the unity and shared grief experienced by the entire kingdom upon the loss of their exceptional leader.
Mr. Wigwe’s impact on Isiokpo and the financial sector cannot be overstated. Serving as the former group CEO of Access Bank plc, he pioneered unprecedented changes that placed Isiokpo on the global map. His visionary decision to establish a world-class university in the heart of the kingdom not only elevated educational opportunities for the community but also spawned economic growth through the creation of 2,000 job opportunities for indigenes. Additionally, his dedication to the betterment of Isiokpo’s youth was evident in his commitment to providing scholarships, ensuring that future generations would have access to quality education.
The news of Mr. Wigwe’s tragic passing has left his kinsmen heartbroken and devastated. The loss of such a compassionate champion of the poor and an exemplary leader has left a void that will be challenging to fill. However, the Ancient Isiokpo Kingdom remains resolute in honoring Mr. Wigwe’s legacy by continuing his work and striving to uplift the marginalized within their community.
As the mourning period approaches, citizens of Isiokpo are encouraged to come together, share stories of Mr. Wigwe’s countless acts of kindness, and find solace in their collective memories. The days of mourning will be a time of reflection and remembrance, allowing the community to grieve their fallen hero while finding inspiration to carry forward his vision of a more equitable and prosperous Isiokpo.
The people of the Ancient Isiokpo Kingdom will forever cherish the indelible impact of Herbert Wigwe, a banker par excellence and friend of the poor. His unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the community’s residents and his remarkable contributions to the field of finance will be engrained in the hearts and minds of generations to come. As Isiokpo mourns the loss of this extraordinary figure, it also celebrates the remarkable legacy he leaves behind – one of compassion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of humanity.
By; Al Humphrey Onyanabo ( The StoryTeller)
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