Chizi Wigwe Biography, Wiki, Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Family, Death, Obituary & More
Chizi Wigwe was a promising young man who had a bright future ahead of him. He was the son of Herbert and Chizoba Wigwe, two prominent Nigerian bankers and entrepreneurs. He was also a talented musician, a loving brother, and a devoted husband. Sadly, his life was cut short by a tragic helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of his parents and two other passengers.
Chizi Wigwe Wiki/Bio
| Name | Chizi Wigwe |
|---|---|
| Birth date | 1998 |
| Birth place | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Death date | February 9, 2024 |
| Death place | California, USA |
| Education | Corona School, Lagos; Harvard University, USA |
| Parents | Herbert Wigwe and Chizoba Wigwe |
| Siblings | Tochi, Hannah, and David Wigwe |
| Ethnicity | Ikwerre |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Links | Wikipedia- @Herbert_Wigwe Linkedin- @chizi-wigwe-1b1b7ab3/ Homepage- Newsunzip |
Siblings, Birthday, Parents and Education
Chizi Wigwe was born in 1998 (age: 25 years, when died), in Lagos, Nigeria. He was the eldest of four children born to Herbert and Chizoba Wigwe. His father, Herbert, was the CEO of Access Holdings Plc, one of the largest financial institutions in Africa. His mother, Chizoba, was a lawyer and an entrepreneur, who ran a successful fashion and beauty business. He grew up in a loving and supportive family, surrounded by his siblings: Tochi, Hannah, and David.
He attended The Taft School, a prestigious boarding school in Connecticut, USA, where he graduated in 2013. He then enrolled at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in technology and international affairs in 2017. He was a brilliant student, who excelled in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. He was also a leader, who served as the president of the African Society and the co-founder of the Georgetown FinTech Club.
Height, Weight
- Height: 6 ft (1.83 m)
- Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs)
- Eye color: Black
- Body measurements: 40-32-36 inches (chest-waist-hips)
Career and Achievements
After graduating from Georgetown, Chizi Wigwe joined Craneburg Construction, a leading engineering and construction company in Nigeria, as a consultant. He worked on several projects, such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, and the Lekki Free Trade Zone. He gained valuable experience and skills in project management, business development, and innovation. He also established a network of contacts and clients in the industry.
In 2019, Chizi Wigwe left Craneburg Construction and joined AFC Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on investing in African businesses. He was an investment professional, who was responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and executing deals across various sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, technology, and health care. He was involved in some of the firm’s most successful investments, such as the acquisition of a stake in Flutterwave, a leading payment platform in Africa, and the funding of Andela, a talent marketplace for software developers. He was also instrumental in launching AFC Capital’s impact fund, which aimed to support social enterprises and entrepreneurs in Africa.
Chizi Wigwe was a visionary and a trailblazer, who had a keen eye for opportunities and a knack for creating value. He was recognized as one of the most influential and promising young leaders in Africa, and he received several awards and honors, such as the Forbes 30 Under 30, the African Business Leaders Awards, and the Young Global Leaders Forum.
Chizi Wigwe Father’s Access Bank Leadership
In 2002, Herbert Wigwe, alongside his business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, acquired Access Bank, which was then a small Nigerian bank. Under their leadership, the bank embarked on a journey of aggressive expansion and transformation. Wigwe’s strategic vision was instrumental in steering the bank towards becoming one of the leading financial institutions in Africa.
Under his stewardship, Access Bank has implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, customer service, and corporate governance. The bank has also been at the forefront of promoting sustainability and gender equality within the banking sector. The bank has also diversified its portfolio, venturing into insurance, energy, real estate, and technology, through its subsidiary, Access Holdings Plc.
Wigwe also spearheaded the bank’s expansion into new markets and sectors, both within and outside Africa. He led the bank’s acquisition of Intercontinental Bank in 2013, Diamond Bank in 2018, and several other banks across the continent. He also established the bank’s presence in the United Kingdom, France, China, and the United Arab Emirates, among other countries. He also launched and led Access Ventures, the bank’s venture capital arm, which invested in and supported promising startups and entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond.
His Father’s Achievements and Recognition
Throughout his career, Wigwe received numerous accolades for his contributions to the banking industry and his leadership excellence. He was recognized for his role in driving financial inclusion and for his efforts in promoting sustainable banking practices. Wigwe was also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education, health, and youth empowerment through the Access Bank Foundation.
Some of the awards and honors that Wigwe received include:
- African Banker of the Year Award in 2016 and 2017 by African Banker Magazine
- Business Leader of the Year Award in 2017 by Leadership Newspaper
- Banker of the Year Award in 2019 by BusinessDay Newspaper
- African CEO of the Year Award in 2020 by African Leadership Magazine
- Champion of Green Finance Award in 2020 by UNEP FI
- Harvard Alumni Achievement Award in 2021 by Harvard University
- Nigeria National Merit Award in 2022 by the Federal Government of Nigeria
Personal Life and Family
Chizi Wigwe was married to Mrs. Wigwe, a medical doctor and a public health advocate. They met at Georgetown University, where they were both students, and they got married in 2018. They had two children, a son named and a daughter. They lived in Lagos, Nigeria, where they enjoyed a happy and fulfilling life.
Chizi Wigwe was not only a successful businessman but also a generous philanthropist. He inherited his father’s legacy of giving back to the society and making a positive difference in the lives of others. He was the founder and chairman of the Chizi Wigwe Foundation, a non-profit organization that supported education, health, and entrepreneurship initiatives in Africa. He also donated to various causes and charities, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the African Leadership Academy (ALA).
Death and Obituary
Chizi Wigwe died on February 9, 2024, at the age of 25. He was involved in a helicopter crash that occurred in California, USA. He was traveling with his parents, Herbert and Chizoba Wigwe, and two other passengers, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, a lawyer and a friend of the family, and the pilot, John Smith. They were on their way to attend a business meeting in Los Angeles, when the helicopter experienced a mechanical failure and crashed in a remote area. There were no survivors.
The news of Chizi’s death shocked and saddened the world, especially his fans, friends, and family. Tributes and condolences poured in from various quarters, including the Nigerian government, the music industry, the banking sector, the media, and the public. A state funeral was held for Chizi and his parents in Lagos, Nigeria, on February 15, 2024, which was attended by thousands of mourners, including dignitaries, celebrities, and well-wishers. They were buried at the Ikoyi Cemetery, where a memorial service was also held.
Chizi Wigwe was a promising young man who had a bright future ahead of him. He was a talented musician, a loving husband, a devoted son, and a generous philanthropist. He touched many lives with his music, his kindness, and his spirit. He left behind a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered and missed by everyone who knew him. May his soul rest in peace.
Net Worth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $6.52 million |
| 2022 | $6.84 million |
| 2023 | $.7.8 million |
