The Vice Chancellor of the Wigwe University, Dr Miles Davis has assured that the legacy of late Dr Herbert Wigwe will not be allowed to die, saying that he and members of the Board of Trustees (BOTs) have agreed and promised to sustain the university no matter the sacrifices they need to put for its success.
Dr Davis who made this commitment Friday, at the christian wake-keeping service of Dr Wigwe, wife and son who recently died in helicopter crash, said of all his investments, the late group Chief executive officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, never attached his name to any of his businesses except the university.
He disclosed that he had already promised the family of late Dr Herbert Wigwe that his rights in the institution will be preserved.
He called for support from the government and all those that loved the late business guru to help sustain his lagecy which he would be always remembered for.
Dr Davis also noted how Wigwe’s wife, Doreen supported her husband in achieving the chains of businesses he is now remembered by.
Explaining how he got involved in the university, the vice chancellor said: “I had no idea that we will be carrying on night vigil without him. I remember vividly the first day that I landed in Nigeria. The next morning, Dr Herbert invited me to his home and talked about what they wanted to do. But it was very clear that Doreen was partner in Dr Herbert Wigwe’s life.
“I remembered the first time I met Tochi when he introduced me to her and the university children. I want to tell you what I told his sister ‘Choice’, what I told his sister ‘Stella’, what I told daddy Wigwe last Sunday.
“I am very aware that Dr Wigwe owned a lot of businesses. He was involved with a lot of things. There is one thing that has the Wigwe name in it and that is Wigwe University.
“I am here to assure you on behalf of the Board of Trustees, on behalf of the commitment that I made to Wigwe’s family, that in the words of Dr Wigwe, we will keep his right. I am someone who was born in the United States, with very proud Nigeria ancestry, imagine, I am excited to say that what people will be proud of is Wigwe University.
“We are excited that you are here. We hope we are going to see you in the campus, we hope this is not the last time we are going to see you on the campus. I was to assure you that myself and all those who have worked so hard will make this thing happen for Nigeria, for Africa,” Dr Davis added.
Earlier, the people of Ikwerre ethnic nationality in Rivers from different LGAs were in tears as they awaited the arrival of the remains of Dr Wigwe, wife and son at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
The people in their traditional attire and recited songs lamenting the exit of an illustrious son, saying they have lost a great blessing and a selfless philanthropist.
They followed the convoy of the corpse from the Airport to his hometown in Isiokpo, where they would be buried on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the wake-keeping service had international, national and local dignitaries in attendance. The service which was officiated by the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG) started at 6:50pm and ended at about 9:26pm with vote of thanks from Dr Wigwe’s sister,Stella Eresie-Eke.
In his sermon, David Adewuyi, Pastor in Charge of Region 33, Redeemed Christian Church of God South-South, admonished the attendees on the need to prepare for eternity.
Noting the generous and philanthropic nature of late Wigwe which he said has attracted thousands of dignitaries to the burial programmes, the clergy said “When the day of death comes no man has power over the spirit. When it is not yet your time to die, you can never die. But the moment it is your time, nothing can stop it.”
He said the “Decisions you are supposed to take while you are still here on earth, is how you are going to love to earn a better and happy eternity. If you’re not thinking of it, when you die it will be too late. What happens when we die physically is just a change of location.”
Personalities present include Africa’s richest man and close friend Aliko Dangote, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, Rivers governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, former governor of Delta state, James Ibori and the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, among others.
Highlights of the service was the redition of chorals by various Christian choirs both from Lagos and other parts of the country. Daughter of the deceased, Miss Tochi Wigwe delivered the first biblical reading.
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
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