Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, a revered figure in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and father of the late Herbert Wigwe, the former Group CEO of Access Holdings, recently celebrated his 90th birthday in Lagos. The occasion, held in both reverence and joy, highlighted a life of devotion and perseverance while also honoring the memory of his late son, whose passing continues to leave a deep emotional impact on family, friends, and business associates.
The celebrations began with an intimate birthday dinner in Lagos, where Pastor Wigwe was joined by his wife Stella, children, grandchildren, and close friends. Among the attendees was Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and close friend of Herbert Wigwe. Dangote’s presence was a touching reminder of the late Herbert’s enduring legacy within Nigeria’s business community. Dangote’s attendance underscored the deep ties between the two families, as he and Herbert had been long-time confidants before the tragic helicopter crash in February 2024 that claimed Herbert’s life.
The chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, a close friend and former business partner of Herbert, also paid tribute by sending a specially commissioned cake to honor Pastor Wigwe. The gesture from Aig-Imoukhuede, who succeeded Herbert Wigwe in his role, carried significant weight, symbolizing continuity and respect for the deep-rooted relationship between the two families. Access Bank, too, marked the occasion by sending cakes in celebration of their former leader’s father.
A thanksgiving service followed the dinner, held at the RCCG parish where Pastor Shyngle has faithfully served for many years. The service offered a poignant moment of reflection for all in attendance, particularly as it came less than a year after the tragic loss of Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, and their first son Chizi in a helicopter crash in Southern California. The emotional weight of the occasion was undeniable, as the family continues to mourn the devastating loss while also celebrating Pastor Shyngle’s milestone birthday.
Pastor Shyngle was born on October 8, 1934, in Isiokpo, Rivers State, to the family of Augustus and Watuze Wigwe. His journey has been marked by personal tragedies, including the loss of his first child, Osita, in a road accident in 1997. Yet, despite these hardships, Pastor Shyngle has remained a pillar of strength, rooted in faith and community service. His commitment to his family and church community has earned him respect and admiration.
Read more: The Things-Fall-Apart-Okonkwo Debate: Can Idris Elba Roll Fufu?
The loss of Herbert Wigwe, who was born on August 15, 1966, added another layer of grief to the Wigwe family. Herbert, his wife, and their son were aboard the ill-fated helicopter that crashed on February 9, 2024, killing all onboard, including the former group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two crew members. As Pastor Shyngle’s family celebrated his 90th birthday, they also remembered Herbert’s posthumous birthday, marked by heartfelt tributes from his parents, expressing their enduring grief and trust in God’s healing power.
Read more: What Are You Doing to Survive in the Nigeria of Tomorrow?
“Though your departure was sudden and heartbreaking, we find solace in knowing that only the Almighty can mend our shattered hearts,” the family had stated on Herbert’s first posthumous birthday. These words of faith and hope echoed throughout Pastor Shyngle’s birthday celebrations, serving as a reminder of the family’s resilience.
