President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Dr. Innocent Okwuosa, yesterday, urged leaders, accountants and relevant stakeholders to keep the memory of the late Pa Akintola Williams alive by replicating integrity in the nation’s economic system.

Speaking at a special valedictory session and luncheon, organised by the body in honour of the doyen of accountancy profession in Lagos, he said the first chartered accountant was an epitome of integrity during the 104 years he lived.

The forum featured choral rendition, hymns, bible reading by Seni Williams, one of the deceased’s sons, prayers for the family and last respects, led by the lCAN president, past registrars, presidents and dignitaries.

Okwuosa noted that the departed lived an unblemished lifetime, urging Nigerians to emulate him.

His words: “The only way to honour him is to keep to the motto of the institute, by maintaining accuracy and integrity in all that we do. More future works by the institute would be in his name. We are all beneficiaries of his work. No one could represent the motto better than Pa Akintola Williams.

“I appreciate the spirit that propelled him to become the first black chartered accountant. That is the ICAN spirit, the spirit of accuracy. Pa Akintola Williams made the black man proud.”

In his eulogy, Chairman, Body of Past Presidents, Sir lke Nwokolo, stressed that the centenarian played a pivotal role in the life of accountancy in Nigeria, adding that he changed the landscape of the profession.

“He was a driving force for excellence in the corporate world, a nation builder. l urge the Nigerian government to immortalise him,” Nwokolo stated.

Representative of past Registrars/Chief Executive Officers, George Okufi, described the late elder statesman as extremely humble and influential in helping ICAN to start its own examination and ensuring the growth of the profession.

He added that the nationalist was an impressive gentleman, who shunned the arrogance of office, while embracing leadership during his life.

The Very Reverend Gboyega Oyekanmi of the Methodist Church, in his homily, charged the living to put their sou
e charged: “As mortal men, whether we live short or a long time like Pa Williams, we must put value into our existence. Put your footprint in the sands of time. Pa Williams cannot be forgotten in the accounting and musical worlds.

“Nigerians must strive to maintain a good name. Wealth doesn’t endure, it is your service that does. We must use ourselves as a means of service to others.”

Pa Williams, who died on September 11 this year at 104 years, is survived by two sons and grandchildren.