While addressing the sad crowd at the occasion of Herbert Wigwe’s tribute, Vice President Kashim Shettima said:
“Herbert left us in winter before the season of bloom. Spring was just about to arrive at his last location, the United States when the Lord called for him. “Spring is not the symbol of Herbert’s bloom; his journey was defined by peculiar seasons. He bloomed long before his co-travellers.
“This spring, for us, isn’t the season of festive flowers; it’s the season of wreaths. This spring, for us, isn’t a season of tears; it’s a celebration of Herbert’s flight to a height that only a few of God’s chosen ones have attained.”
Delivering his speech, titled, “Herbert Wigwe: The Flower That Bloomed Before Spring,” the VP highlighted Wigwe’s early successes, his dream of building the “Harvard of Africa,” and his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy. “Herbert, though an early bloomer in the garden of life, didn’t share the fate of those who faded away prematurely.
His narrative was one of triumph. He conquered all there was to conquer,” he said. He also regretted the tragic loss of Wigwe’s wife, son, and others, describing the loss as collective grief felt by many and a “fading fragrance of a garden that touched lives far beyond its borders”. He, however, urged Nigerians to celebrate “the divine miracle that was the lives the deceased lived,” adding that “the spread of this grief that binds us is so because they cultivated a garden of success.”
Shettima continued: “Their achievements were not just individual triumphs but testaments to the collective strength of those they touched, those they built, and those they inspired. “The journey of our departed brothers and sisters may have ended in a distant land, but their spirits linger in the hearts of everyone here and beyond,” the Vice President added.
“May Herbert’s legacy continue to bloom in the hearts and minds of those who strive for greatness.” Speaking, Shettima said : “ Herbert left us in winter, far away from home. Herbert, the season of bloom. Spring has just arrived at his last location in the United States, when the Lord called for him. But spring is not a symbol of Herbert’s bloom. His spring for us isn’t the spring of passive flowers. It is the season of raves. This spring for us isn’t a season of tears. It is a celebration of Herbert’s flight. To a height that only a few of God’s children once have attained.
“I feel privileged to be here today to share in the memories of Herbert and the pillars of his journey was defined by peculiar seasons. He bloomed long before his co-travelers. So this home that left with him. Today, we honor not just the soul that boarded that fateful helicopter, but the indomitable dreamers and builders that soared to heights reserved for the chosen few. Your excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, may Herbert’s legacy continue to bloom in the hearts and minds of those who strive for greatness. On behalf of my principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Access family, the banking world, the Nigerian nation, please accept our most heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.”
