Community

Rivers Grieves As Wigwe, Wife, Son Laid To Rest

Published

10 months ago

Mar 9, 2024.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the burial arrangements for the late former CEO of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, are in place, and the ceremony is scheduled to take place today(Saturday) in his hometown, Omueke, located in Isiokpo, Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State.

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Accompanied by a massive motorcade on Friday, his remains departed from Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, in Ikwerre LGA around 1:33 pm, heading directly to his father’s compound in Omueke, Isiokpo.

Recall that Wigwe’s relatives had strongly asserted that their son must be laid to rest in his hometown, Omueke. They pledged to employ ancient traditions to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death.

Many Community members were already dressed in black to receive Wigwe’s body. Meanwhile, married women from Isiokpo have gathered at the community entrance, forming a circle to pray for protection against untimely death and the loss of prominent members in the area.

The women numbering over 200, sprinkled water on the floor, while some sat on the grass and sobbed uncontrollably in prayers, prayed in their dialect as they welcome the body.

One of them said, “We have just completed a three-day fasting which ended today. We have been fasting from 6am to 9am which ends today.

“We are not happy at all. Our son, Herbert, was taking care of us, widows and children in this area. Every Christmas, he brings bags of rice and other foodstuff to every family here.

“We are praying God to remove the spirit of untimely death and stop our prominent people from dying. We are pained.”

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and elders of the community received his body when it arrived in Isiokpo on Friday morning.

Speaking to newsmen, Nwanosike described Wigwe’s death as a great loss, saying, “He had a large vision not only for his people but the entire Ikwerre ethnic nationality.”

He said the people would find a way to immortalise him.

Approximately 30 private jets, transporting dignitaries such as governors, ministers, prominent politicians, captains of industries, and top traditional rulers, are anticipated to attend the event to bid farewell to the esteemed financial mogul and philanthropist.

Heavy traffic is already causing congestion at Port Harcourt International Airport as visitors and community members arrive, as at Friday. Preparations are underway for a wake at Wigwe University, founded by the late business man.

The university which has reached an advanced stage of completion shares the same fence with late Wigwe’s palatial residence in the serene community.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has taken significant steps to reinforce security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and well-organised burial ceremony for the late Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son.