12th September, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the demise of Nigeria’s first chartered accountant, Chief Akintola Williams, saying he was a man of integrity, resilience and resourcefulness.
Akintola Williams died on Monday at the age of 104 at his residence in Lagos.
A statement issued by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu shared in the pain of loss with the family, friends and associates of the Doyen of Accounting in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, Williams.
Tinubu sympathised with the government and people of Lagos and Ogun States, the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN), the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and other financial institutions that were founded by the centurion, who had lived an admirable life of charity with an impactful influence on future generations.
He affirmed that “Williams epitomized integrity, resilience and resourcefulness which was amply demonstrated when he established the first accounting firm, Akintola Williams & Co (Deliotte & Touche), by an African, in 1952, which inspired self-confidence in a generation of professionals who would make further impact in strengthening transparency and competence in the Accounting profession.”
The President believed the numerous honours, recognitions and awards received by Williams during his lifetime, including the OFR and NNOM awards, had hardly reflected his immense contributions to the growth of the nation and humanity, particularly with respect to his investments in lifting the most impoverished and vulnerable of citizens through his robust support for education and healthcare institutions.
Tinubu noted the historic role played by the first indigenous chartered accountant in the public service, having served at various times as the Chairman of the Federal Income Tax Appeal Commissioners; Member of the Coker Commission of Inquiry into the Statutory Corporations of the former Western Region of Nigeria; Member of the Board of Trustees of the Commonwealth Foundation; and as the Chairman of the Public Service Review Panel to correct the anomalies in the Udoji Salary Review Commission.
The President said he fondly recalled sending warm felicitations to the centenarian on his 104th birthday, on August 9th of this year, and appreciating his position in the history of Nigeria, and Africa, having scored many firsts in establishing many institutions that had shaped the African economy over his lifetime.
Tinubu prayed that the Almighty God would receive the soul of Williams, and comfort his beloved family.