The unfortunate demise of Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the group’s previous Chairman, has been hailed as a “profound loss” by the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group).
The NGX Group also expressed condolences in a statement on Sunday for Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director of Access Holdings PLC.
Ogunbanjo died in a helicopter crash late Friday, along with Wigwe, his wife, and kid. Two crew members also died in the tragic disaster.
The NGX Group described Ogunbanjo as a visionary leader and luminary in Nigeria’s corporate legal and capital market spheres, who served as President of the National Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) from 2017 to 2021 and as the first Group Chairman of the NGX Group from 2021 to 2022, following the Exchange’s demutualization.
“His strategic acumen and dedication were instrumental in shaping NGX Group’s transformative journey,” the statement said.
The Group Chairman of NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga, expressed his profound condolences, saying, “NGX Group mourns the untimely departure of Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo and Dr. Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife and son.”
“Bamofin Ogunbanjo’s leadership has had a lasting impact on our organization and the Nigerian financial world, and his legacy will continue to inspire us. Dr. Wigwe also has a spotless record in our private sector.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this terrible time. May their spirits rest in peace, and may God console their families.”
Also, Temi Popoola, Group MD of NGX Group, stated, “The demise of Bamofin Ogunbanjo is a deep loss for NGX Group and the whole Nigerian private sector.
“He was instrumental in shaping the NGX Group, and while he will be greatly missed, his visionary leadership and impact will never be forgotten. It is devastating to read that Dr. Wigwe, his wife, and son died in the disaster.
“The contributions of these two respected leaders to the financial markets and the overall private sector will be remembered, and we are committed to preserving their legacy by upholding the principles of leadership, innovation, and dedication that they exemplified.”