Resident of Isiokpo kingdom in Ikwerre local council of Rivers State yesterday concluded plans to begin a seven-day mourning in honour of their illustrious son, Herbert Wigwe, who died in a copter crash in the United States, last weekend.
Wigwe, a top notch banker and former CEO of Access Holding died on Friday night with his wife, son and three others between the border of Nevada and California in the United States.
Making the declaration in his palace at Isiokpo, the paramount ruler of the kingdom, the Nye-Nwe-Eli of Isiokpo, Eze Blessing Ahiazunwo Wagor, said the best honour that could be given to the late philanthropist was to declare seven days of mourning for him.
Beginning from today (Wednesday), the seven days of mourning will witness the closure of all businesses on the first and last days, with half-day operations on the other days and will involve all the indigenes of the area including those outside the state or country.
The monarch said: “We have been eating his rice for the past years. I am yet to come out of the shock of his death. He was such a very nice young man.”
Venerable Christopher Idika, Archdeacon of Anglican Cathedral, Isiokpo, regretted the death of a man he refers to the “breadwinner of the people”.
He disclosed that the kingdom has lost some of its prominent sons lately, hence “there was need to dedicate the land to God”.
Meanwhile, ex-Director General of National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), Dr Danladi Bako, has consoled father of the deceased, Shyngle Wigwe. In a statement, Bako said: “On behalf of former staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) that served in the 80s and 90s, I write this condolence to our father and ex-Director General of NTA, Shyngle Wigwe, on the death of his son, Herbert.
“We share the pain and grief of the loss with you and the larger family. For me, I wish to personally console Engr Wigwe who treated me like his son during all my NTA years.”
He even personally came to my office in the Villa to congratulate me when I was appointed Director General National Broadcasting Commission in 1999. May the soul of Herbert , his wife Chizoba and his son rest in peace.”
