Beta Glass Plc (NGX: BETAGLASS) has announced the death of Otunba Abimbola Ogunbanjo OFR, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Beta Glass Plc a subsidiary of Frigoglass Group.
In filing with the Nigerian Exchange on Monday, the company said that Otunba Ogunbanjo passed away on 9 February 2024, when the helicopter he was aboard crashed in Southern California, USA.
Recall that Access Holdings Plc (NGX: ACCESSCORP) had confirmed the death of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc.
Dr. Wigwe, his wife and son were amongst six passengers who died in the helicopter that crashed in the United States late Friday. The crash happened in the State of California, near the Nevada border.
Commenting on the tragic news Ogunganjo’s death, Gagik Apkarian, Chairman of Frigoglass Group BoD and Managing Director of Tetrad Capital Partners, stated: “It’s with great sadness that we received the devastating news of the passing of Otunba Abimbola Ogunbanjo. Otunba Ogunbanjo served as Chairman of Beta Glass for eight years with unrelenting commitment.
“We are grateful for his numerous contributions, thoughtful leadership of the Beta Glass Board, and are extremely shocked that his time was cut short. We extend our deepest condolences to Abi’s family, friends, and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Throughout his long and successful tenure on the board of Beta Glass, Abimbola Ogunbanjo’s leadership has been instrumental in driving the Company’s growth to become the largest manufacturer of glass containers and packaging solutions in West and Central Africa. In his long and illustrious career, Otunba Ogunbanjo also sat on the board of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping.
In addition, he was a Member of the International Bar Association, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Institute of Petroleum London, and the Institute of Directors, and was the Managing Partner at Chris Ogunbanjo & Co. In the past, he also served as President of the National Council at Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.
Darren Bennett-Voci, Beta Glass CEO, commented: “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our Chairman, Otunba Abimbola Ogunbanjo OFR. I had the honor of working closely with him, and the news of his sudden and tragic passing has shocked us all deeply.
“Abi’s leadership and unwavering dedication leaves an enduring mark on Beta Glass, shaping our journey and inspiring us to continue to strive for excellence. We shall honor his legacy by continuing to uphold the values and vision he instilled in our organization.”
According to the filing, Beta Glass Plc and the Frigoglass Group will communicate the board’s succession plan in due time adding that the Company will continue to receive support from its Board of Directors in the interim.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
