Tinubu mourns doyen of accounting, says Akintola Williams epitomized integrity

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, joined the family, friends, and associates to mourn 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 who expressed pain over the loss, also sympathized 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 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 noted 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 also 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.

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 have shaped the African economy over his lifetime.

President Tinubu, in a statement made available to newsmen in the early hours of Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, further prayed God to receive the soul of Oloye Williams, and comfort his beloved family.