President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expresses deep condolences and shares in the grief of the family, friends, and associates of Chief Akintola Williams, a revered figure known as the Doyen of Accounting in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Chief Williams passed away on Monday at the remarkable age of 104 years old. This heartfelt message is conveyed through a statement issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity.
President Tinubu conveys his sympathies to a wide range of entities and institutions profoundly influenced by Chief Akintola Williams’ legacy. This includes the Government and people of Lagos and Ogun States, the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN), the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and other financial institutions.
The President acknowledges that Chief Williams embodied qualities such as integrity, resilience, and resourcefulness. These qualities were prominently displayed when he founded the first African accounting firm, Akintola Williams & Co (Deloitte & Touche), in 1952. This groundbreaking achievement inspired confidence in a generation of professionals who furthered the cause of transparency and competence in the accounting profession.
President Tinubu underscores that Chief Williams’ substantial contributions to the nation and humanity go far beyond the numerous honors and awards he received during his lifetime, including the OFR and NNOM awards. Chief Williams made significant investments in uplifting the most vulnerable members of society, particularly through his unwavering support for educational and healthcare institutions.
The President also highlights Chief Williams’ historic role as the first indigenous chartered accountant in the public service. He served in various critical roles, including as the Chairman of the Federal Income Tax Appeal Commissioners, a Member of the Coker Commission of Inquiry into the Statutory Corporations of the former Western Region of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the Public Service Review Panel tasked with addressing discrepancies in the Udoji Salary Review Commission.
President Tinubu warmly reminisces about sending warm congratulations to Chief Williams on his 104th birthday in August of this year. He recognized Chief Williams’ pivotal place in Nigeria and Africa’s history, marked by numerous milestones through the establishment of institutions that have played an instrumental role in shaping the African economy.
