In a somber announcement on Monday, Access Holdings PLC revealed the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of its former Group CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
The statement, issued by the company's Board of Directors and dated February 12, 2024, conveyed the profound loss the company has suffered and the necessity of swift action in filling the leadership vacuum left by Dr. Wigwe's untimely passing. However, the appointment of Agbede is contingent upon the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria, underscoring the regulatory framework within which such transitions occur.
Bolaji Agbede brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having been with Access Bank since 2003, where she started as an Assistant General. Over the past nearly three decades, she has demonstrated her capabilities in various capacities within the bank, notably serving as the Head of Group Human Resources from 2010 to 2022. Her tenure as the founding Executive Director of Business Support from 2022 until her recent appointment speaks to her strategic insight and leadership acumen.
Agbede's academic background further bolsters her qualifications, with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Cranfield University UK. Her affiliations with professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria underscore her commitment to excellence and continuous professional development.
As Agbede assumes her new responsibilities, the Access Holdings PLC community mourns the loss of Dr. Herbert Wigwe while rallying behind their new leader. The transition marks a pivotal moment for the company, with stakeholders closely observing how Agbede's vision and leadership will shape its trajectory in the days ahead. In a time of sorrow and transition, Access Holdings PLC remains resolute in its commitment to its mission and values under the stewardship of Bolaji Agbede.
