Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO and Ralph Mupita, MTN Group CEO, in Nigeria yesterday.

MTN Group senior executives joined other prominent Nigerian business leaders yesterday to pay respect to Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Nigeria's biggest banking institution Access Bank, his wife Chizoba, and son Chizi.

The Nigerian business community paid tribute to Wigwes at a memorial event yesterday, who died in a helicopter crash alongside five others in California, United States.

The helicopter was on its way to Las Vegas when it crashed last month in Nevada and California.

Ralph Mupita, MTN Group CEO, and Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO, represented Africa's largest telecom carrier at a ceremony attended by numerous Nigerian businesses and politicians to commemorate the banker.

Wigwe was well-known in Africa's technology sector for his support of then start-ups such as Flutterwave, Africa's most valuable fintech, and Unified Payments, to name a few.

Kariola posted on his LinkedIn page yesterday: "Ralph Mupita and I joined other business leaders to celebrate the life of a true professional whose impact touched many. Rest in peace, Herbert, Chizoba, and Chizi."

At the time of his passing, MTN Group, whose largest market among 19 is Nigeria, stated in a statement: “His partnership with MTN was rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a common goal of empowering and connecting communities across our beloved continent.

“His contributions have been instrumental in shaping a more inclusive, empowered Africa. His legacy is evident in the very fabric of our shared Pan-African vision, making this loss all the more poignant”

It said: “Reflecting on his contributions, we are reminded of the profound impact he had, not only on the banking sector but on the lives of countless people - in his community, the nation and the continent.

“His vision, leadership, and humanitarian efforts have left a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him and by the many more who were touched by his work.”

In a statement, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also paid his tribute to the Wigwes, saying: “Their passing is an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.

“I pray for the peaceful repose of the departed and ask God Almighty to comfort the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonising moment.”