President Bola Tinubu has shared in the pain of loss with the family, friends and associates of the Doyen of Accounting in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, Chief Akintola Williams, who passed away on Monday at the age of 104 years old.
President Tinubu in a statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, 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.
President Tinubu affirmed that Oloye Williams epitomised 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 compentence in the Accounting profession.
The President believed the numerous honours, recognitions and awards received by Oloye Williams during his lifetime, including the OFR and NNOM awards, have 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 our citizens through his robust support for education and healthcare institutions.
President 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.
In the same vein, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Akintola Williams as a pervasive and consistent Nigerian for his contributions and influence to the accounting professionals in particular and the nation in general.
Reacting to the death of the frontline elder statesman, Chief Obasanjo emphasized that Pa Williams was the doyen of Accounting profession, not only in Africa, but globally.
Chief Obasanjo while reflecting on the relationship of over 50 years with the late patriarch said he had directly and indirectly enjoyed his support and professional advice.
Former President Obasanjo prayed God to grant the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort members of the family with the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Oluwatoyin Adegoke/Leadership Olaolu Fawole
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