Businesswoman Siju Iluyomade paid tribute to the late group chief executive of Access Holdings Plc Herbert Wigwe at her 60th birthday thanksgiving service.
While he was alive, Mr Wigwe was a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David branch in the Victoria Island area of Lagos pastored by Iluyomade’s husband Idowu.
Iluyomade’s birthday thanksgiving came days after Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, and first son Chizi, and also a former group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Abimbola Ogunbanjo died in a helicopter crash on February 9 in the United States.
In a speech at the thanksgiving service, Iluyomade said that when she heard about Wigwe’s death, she screamed and thought it happened in Nigeria.
“He was faithful and dedicated but God chose to call Herbert home, not only him but his wife and son. On the day I heard it, I screamed. I thought it happened in Nigeria,” she said.
Oba Olaoye, Okoya, Bisi Olatilo, Samuel Adedoyin attend Siju Iluyomade’s 60th birthday celebration
She also had her guests stand to offer one minute of silence in honour of the deceased.
The businesswoman posted a clip of the tribute on Instagram with the caption: “Tribute to a visionary leader and mentor @herbertowigwe and Otunba Abimbola Ogunbanjo.”
Iluyomade, founder of Arise Women, had a two-part event for her diamond jubilee celebration. First, she had guests gathered at Trinity Towers, City of David, for a thanksgiving service before the reception was held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.
Some of those who graced her birthday celebration were businesswoman Folorunsho Alakija and the Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Ghandi Olaoye.
Also present were Tony Elumelu, Toke Makinwa, Rasaq Okoya and wife Shade, Bisi Olatilo, Samuel Adedoyin and wife, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and Bisi Fayemi.
