Access Holdings Plc has announced the retirement of its Executive Director, Business Support, Ms. Bolaji Agbede, from its Board of Directors, effective June 30, 2026. The announcement was made in a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) released on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Bolaji Agbede's Career Journey at Access Bank
Agbede joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General Manager. She was promoted to Group Head of Human Resources in 2010 and later served as Group Head of Business Development in 2013. From 2015, she worked as Group Head of Human Resources before transitioning to the bank's African operations as Executive Director in March 2021. In January 2022, she assumed the role of Group Executive Director, Business Support at Access Holdings.
Acting Group CEO Role After Herbert Wigwe's Death
Agbede gained national prominence in February 2024 when she was appointed Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings following the tragic death of former Group CEO Dr. Herbert Wigwe in a helicopter crash in the United States. The appointment was part of the Group's leadership continuity plan to ensure operational stability during a critical period. She served in this role until August 2025, when Mr. Innocent Ike was appointed substantive Group Managing Director and CEO after receiving regulatory approvals.
Board Commendation and Retirement Details
The Board commended Agbede for her outstanding contributions to the growth, transformation, and institutional development of the Access Group over her more than 20 years of service. The filing, signed by Company Secretary Sunday Ekwochi, stated: "Access Holdings Plc hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), its esteemed shareholders, and the investing public of the retirement of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as Executive Director, Business Support, Access Holdings Plc, effective June 30, 2026, following the expiration of her term."
The Board expressed particular appreciation for her leadership following Wigwe's passing, noting that her stewardship helped preserve business continuity and organizational stability. The statement added: "The Board expresses its profound appreciation for Ms. Agbede's dedicated service and for the exemplary leadership she provided as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the tragic passing of the former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, in February 2024. During a critical period in the Group's history, she demonstrated remarkable professionalism, stability and commitment, helping to ensure continuity of leadership and sustained business performance."
Impact of Agbede's Retirement
Agbede's retirement marks the end of an era at Access Holdings, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company's human resources and business development strategies. Her leadership during the transition period after Wigwe's death was widely praised for maintaining stability. The company has not yet announced a successor for her role as Executive Director, Business Support.
