The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has praised the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, for his commitment to the gospel and his philanthropic works.
Before his passing, the deceased was a dedicated member of the church, City of David Parish, Victoria Island to be precise, where his philanthropic works were recognized.
Herbert lost his life in a helicopter crash in the United States of America early February alongside his wife, Doreen, their son Chizzy, and a former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
Adeboye paid tribute to Wigwe at the joint Service of Songs for the trio which was held at the RCCG Resurrection Parish, Lekki, Lagos on Thursday, March 7.
The 82-year-old’s condolence message was read by the Pastor in charge of Region 11 of RCCG and Head of the Blessed Family, Pastor Charles Pande, who gave the word of exhortation.
Adeboye’s message read partly, “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.”
In addition, former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, paid his tributes to the late banking guru.
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 had 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.
“I don’t think any event in recent times for me in particular has made it clear how important friendships and relationships are. Herbert walked the talk of brotherhood and friendship.”
He also consoled the remaining three children left by the couple. In his words: “No amount of words can heal your hearts but 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 mortality. One thing I would 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, and Elisha died of an ailment. What is important to God is the difference between dying and perishing.”
Other dignitaries present at the service of songs include the Senior Pastor of This Present House, Tony Rapu; Lead Pastor of the Trinity House Church, Ituah Ighodalo; Senior Pastor of the House On The Rock church, Paul Adefarasin and his wife, Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin; billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote; and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, among others.
Post a Comment