The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe, has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to Corporate Governance and Rule of Law in Nigeria’s banking industry.
This is according to a statement by the management of Access Bank on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to the statement, Wigwe was presented the Juris Law Award by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, at the Judges Workshop on Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 which held on October 12 in Abuja.
Also honoured with an award was the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele.
The statement said that the Juris Law Award is presented in honour of leaders who are taking significant steps towards promoting economic growth in Nigeria through deepening institutions, corporate governance and Rule of Law.
Accepting the award, Wigwe stated that he was honoured to receive the award.
Wigwe, who is also the Chairman, Body of Bank Chief Executive Officers, said: “Through innovative banking initiatives and our underlying sustainability drive, Access Bank will continue to create shared value for all our stakeholders, striking a balance between competitive advantage and corporate social responsibility.”
Wigwe and Emefiele had partnered in the creation of several positive socio-economic initiatives such as the Creative Industries and Financing Initiative; a loan scheme developed to provide access to long-term and low-interest financing for entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
In addition, the statement said that Wigwe, Emefiele and Aliko Dangote were key parties in the formation of the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) – a vehicle created to spearhead corporate Nigeria’s support for the federal government’s fight against the deadly virus.
It said that the successful coalition funded the establishment of response centres, acquisition of medical equipment, supplies and food palliatives for vulnerable Nigerians.
The statement explained that the 2021 Judges Workshop on Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 focused on reforms and the statutory requirements imposed by CBN on all banks and other financial institutions in Nigeria to adopt policies on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism and cyber security in Nigeria.
Also in attendance at the workshop were the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN); the Appeal Court President, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, among many others.
