Nigeria: Access Holdings Appoints Bolaji Agbede as Acting CEO

Access Holdings Plc made a significant announcement on Monday, revealing the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.

This decision follows the tragic passing of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, who lost his life in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, son, and former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, on Friday.

In a statement issued by the company’s Board of Directors dated February 12, 2024, it was disclosed that Agbede’s appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The statement read, “Further to its announcement dated February 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has today announced the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the unfortunate demise of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024.

“The appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

Agbede brings nearly three decades of professional experience spanning banking and business consultancy services to her new role. Having joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General, she has served in various capacities within the institution.

Her journey at the bank saw her take on pivotal roles, including Head of Group Human Resources from 2010 to 2022. In 2022, she was appointed as the company’s founding Executive Director, Business Support, a position she held until her recent appointment as Acting CEO.

Agbede holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos, and she earned her Masters of Business Administration Degree from Cranfield University UK in 2002. Additionally, she is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

With her wealth of experience and proven leadership, Agbede is poised to lead Access Holdings through this transitional period and uphold the company’s commitment to excellence and growth.