12/02/2024
I write this tribute with tears in my eyes. Thinking where do I start from?
Is this real or a bad dream that I will wake up from?
Alas every news media, social media and phone calls are all about the passing of Herbert, his wife and son. Confirming this bad dream.
So Herbert is truly gone.
I met Herbert at Federal Government College, Warri in 1978. He joined us in our Form 2 and we all finished from the college in 1982. Our 1982 class set was a very close knit group. A group that remains united and close knit till today.
Growing up Herbert was purposeful, determined and ready to conquer the world. His ideas and reasoning then was always years ahead of us his peers. No doubt he was brilliant and hardworking.
After school we went off to different universities and after graduation he then started making waves in the banking industry.
His banking prowess and great acquisitions were much talked about. We were proud of him and proud of our own.
In April 2018, our Class of 82 members Association was birthed and we had our first reunion in Accra, Ghana. There, we agreed to set up a Trust Fund to support any class member with difficulty in paying their children’s school fees or rent or need funding for a viable business.
Herbert was a great supporter of the members Association. He contributed significantly to the Trust Fund and to every need of the Association. When possible, came physically for our outings and hangouts.
He always left his CEO / Business Tycoon toga behind and was that vulnerable teenager and we will hail him by his nickname “Herbie Wiggs” and he will hail us right back by our different nicknames. The last time most of us saw him physically was in July 2023 during our reunion. He joined us at the Landmark beach, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos where over 30 of us from different parts of the world gathered after an exhilarating tour of Nike Arts Gallery. It was a joyous moment. Perhaps if we had known that would be the last time most people would see him, we would have spent more time with him.
He called me up on January 11th 2024 and we had some deep conversation around impact, legacy and humanity. He wanted me to play a role at the Wigwe University and because his values aligned with mine, I accepted.
His passion and energy for this project was palpable. He conceived the idea, got the location and was in the process of getting partners and employees before his demise.
Herbert was such a great guy.
He was smart, tough, hard working and disciplined.
Extremely kind and generous!
He was humble
He was a giver
A philanthropist
A motivator
A great husband and father.
We will miss his wise counsel, support and kindness.
I pray that his soul and that of his wife Chizoba and son Chizi rest in perfect peace.
May his family left behind be comforted.
May FGCW Class of 82 and the whole of Fegocowosa be comforted.
Adieu dear brother.!
Henrietta (Hetty) Ugboh
Chairperson-Federal Government College, Class of 82
