Further tributes have been paid to Akintola Williams, Nigeria’s first chartered accountant, who died on Monday aged 104.
President Bola TinubuIn a statement through his spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale on Tuesday, he described the luminary as an epitome of “integrity, resilience and ingenuity which was amply demonstrated when he established the first accounting firm, Akintola Williams & Co (Deloitte & Touche)… in 1952.”
The president commented that the firm would inspire “self-confidence in a generation of professionals who would have a greater impact on strengthening transparency and competition in the accounting profession.”
Mr Tinubu, an accountant by training, acknowledged Mr Williams’ inimitable contributions to public service, particularly as Chairman of the Federal Income Tax Appeal Commission, Chairman of the Public Service Review Panel that fixed the anomalies in the Commission of Udoji Salary Review, member of the Board of Trustees of the Commonwealth Foundation and member of the Coker Commission of Inquiry into the Statutory Corporations of the former Western Region.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who paid tribute to him in a statement, admitted that in the past he had benefited directly and indirectly from Mr Williams’ advice and support.
“His reflections, his penetrating insights, and his insistence on truth and accountability cannot fail to inspire you. He often admired his calm countenance and character and when he asked a friend: “Why is he always so calm, serene and methodical?” He replied: “It’s because he has a strong internal antenna for controls!” he said.
“I must confess that my interactions with Mr. Akintola Williams were tangential for several reasons. When those of us in the military in a province like Kaduna, where I was, arrived in Lagos in the mid-1960s, we looked at people like Mr. Akintola Williams from a distance with great admiration and amazement,” he added. .
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Monday described his death as a tremendous loss.
“He will be remembered for his notable contributions and achievements as an accountant and leader for generations to come,” he said.
“His important role in establishing the first indigenous chartered accounting firm in Africa, as well as his instrumental involvement in the formation of institutions such as the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Accountants, will not be forgotten.”
Adewale Osinowo, chartered accountant and trainee of Mr Williams saying“Pa Akintola Williams is our mentor in the profession.
“We have received a lot of training from him. His humility, his professionalism, his integrity, transparency and his contribution to accounting and the economy in general are excellent. And we, those behind, can continue to emulate his behavior so that we can have a better Nigeria.”
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Mr. Williams was a founding member of the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), created to promote classical and contemporary music in Nigeria. Frederick Rotimi Williams, his younger brother, was the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
He once chaired the audit committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Industrial Bank of Nigeria.
He received the title of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for the Promotion of Arts, Culture and Music through MUSON from Queen Elizabeth II in 1997.
In 1982 his contributions were awarded the title of Order of the Federal Republic.