President Bola Tinubu has urged the armed forces to persist in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity against all forms of threats, lauding their unwavering dedication and sacrifices for the nation. Addressing attendees at the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna yesterday, the president, through his spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, affirmed his administration’s steadfast commitment to the military’s welfare and pledged continuous support in executing their responsibilities.
President Tinubu emphasized key milestones achieved in the evolution of the NDA, including the expansion and training of Air Force cadets, successful national reunification post the 1967 civil war, and the initiation of various short-service military training programs to address manpower deficits arising from the conflict. Notable among these achievements was the elevation of the NDA from a non-degree granting institution to a fully accredited university in 1985, thereby replacing the former Nigerian Defence Academy Certificate of Education awarded to cadets.
The president also expressed satisfaction with the curriculum endorsed by the National Universities Commission, which ensures that cadets acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, values, character, and discipline essential for effective service within the Nigerian Armed Forces, both in peacetime and during crises.
“The United States expressed its condolences, mourning the loss of Herbert, Doreen, and Chizi, along with four others. US authorities confirmed the tragic deaths of two crew members and four passengers. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conveyed his shock and grief over the crash, specifically mentioning the former Nigeria Stock Exchange president Abimbola Ogunbanjo among the victims. He extended his sympathies to the affected families, the business community, and all impacted by this devastating event. The US Federal Aviation Administration reported that a Eurocopter EC 130 helicopter crashed near Nipton, California, with six individuals on board. An investigation into the incident is underway. . US National Transportation Safety Board member Michael Graham provided details of the incident, stating that the helicopter departed from Palm Springs, California, bound for Boulder City, Nevada. Approximately 90 minutes after takeoff, the helicopter crashed south of I-15 near Halloran Springs, California, resulting in fatal injuries to all six individuals on board.”
“The President expressed his condolences to the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those affected by the tragic incident,” stated his spokesperson on Sunday. According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, a Eurocopter EC 130 helicopter crashed near Nipton, California, at approximately 10 pm local time on Friday, February 9, with six people aboard. An investigation into the crash is underway.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, expressed deep sadness on social media regarding the loss of Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO of Access Bank, his wife, son, and Bimbo Ogunbanjo in the helicopter crash. Access Bank, Nigeria’s largest bank by assets, praised Wigwe for his significant contributions and leadership in transforming the Access franchise since assuming the role of deputy managing director in 2002.
At a press briefing on Saturday, US National Transportation Safety Board member Michael Graham reported that the helicopter had departed from Palm Springs, California, en route to Boulder City, Nevada. Approximately 90 minutes into the charter flight, the helicopter crashed south of I-15 near Halloran Springs, California, approximately 75 miles (120 kilometers) northeast of Barstow. Graham confirmed that two crew members and four passengers were fatally injured in the crash but did not disclose their identities.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu conveyed his profound shock and distress upon learning of their tragic deaths. He described the loss as an immense tragedy that defies comprehension.
“Upon receiving the official confirmation, President Bola Tinubu was deeply saddened by the news of the untimely passing of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, a prominent banker and entrepreneur, and Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, OFR, the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, along with members of the Wigwe family,” the statement read.
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, as well as to the entire business community and those affected by the sudden loss.
He offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and urged God to provide solace to the numerous grieving Nigerians and the families of the deceased during this painful time.
Herbert Wigwe, the late CEO of Access Holdings Plc and founder of the How Foundation, reportedly lost his life in a helicopter crash near the Nevada border in California, USA. Tragically, it’s also been reported that his wife and son were onboard the ill-fated helicopter.