The Group
Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank PLC Herbert Wigwe has been recognised as
the African Banker of the Year at the 2021 edition of the African Banker Awards.
A winner
of one of the most prized categories at the Awards ceremony for the second
consecutive year, Wigwe was recognised for his stellar leadership in the market
expansion of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest bank despite the negative impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last 12 months, Access Bank has established a presence
in South Africa following its acquisition of Grobank.
Accepting the award, Wigwe said Access Bank is
focused on promoting corporate discipline, adding that the Bank wants to be in
key markets on the continent, building a payment gateway and providing trade
finance support.
“We want to be seen as the best bank supporting
the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement (AfCFTA). In terms of
diaspora remittances, we are present in key areas in the continent,” he said.
The African
Banker Awards have become the most respected and recognised industry event
celebrating African banking achievements. The organisers this year, put emphasis on recognising
and rewarding institutions that contributed to the real economy which has
suffered from the impact of Covid-19 as well as contributed to women
empowerment on the continent.
Commenting
on the award, Group Publisher of African Banker and Chair of the Awards
Committee, Omar Ben Yedder said, “Herbert is one of the most respected bankers
on the continent, without a shadow of a doubt. The Bank has gone from a lower
ranked Nigerian bank when he joined the group as Deputy CEO to become one of
Africa’s leading financial services groups. He has shown a relentless pursuit
for growth, but has done so in a measured and calculated manner. What he and
his team have done at Access Bank is nothing short of remarkable.”
The Awards
ceremony held virtually during the Annual meetings of the African Development
Bank.
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