18/02/2025
Year 2023, in December, Herbert Wigwe moved into his new house at Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos. By Chukwudi Iwuchukwu
A mighty, imposing edifice that speaks to his ambition and class.
It was his dream house, and so no cost was spared in building it.
A state-of-the-art house that is fully digital and automated as well.
You know the type of house where Siri and Google Assistant control the basic functionality of the property.
According to a rough estimate from those with knowledge of the property that I spoke to, over 10 billion naira were spent on the project.
And the reason why Herbert spent that much on the property was not far-fetched.
It was meant to serve as his retirement home in Lagos, so he made sure he spent money to build it.
Three weeks before his death, he hosted Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and his bestie, Femi Otedola, in the new property.
They had dinner together, but before that, he took them around his new property to show the two Forbes billionaires his new acquisition.
He was a man whose palm kernel was cracked by the gods.
Little did Herbert know that it would be the last time he would be hosting Aliko Dangote and his bestie, Femi.
Herbert was a very wealthy man in his lifetime.
Before he died, he was the majority shareholder of Access Bank, as he controlled 9% of the bank.
That 9% shareholding made him the largest shareholder of Access Bank, and the shares he controls are collectively worth $54 million.
I have been reflecting on Herbert Wigwe's life and how empty life is since I woke up this morning, and I came to one conclusion.
Life is just fleeting.
Do your best to live your life on your terms and create enough memories.
Love the people who love you back, and touch as many souls as you can.
At the end of the day, tomorrow is not guaranteed.
