President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed pain over the death of the doyen of the Accounting profession in Nigeria and the sub-Saharan Africa, Chief Akintola Williams.
Chief Williams died on Monday at the age of 104.
He will be buried in October, according to a son of the deceased, Seni.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said President paid tribute to the eminent accountant for his contributions to the profession and other areas of the nation’s life.
The statement reads,
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shares 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 sympathises with the government and people of Lagos and Ogun states, the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN), the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), and other financial institutions that were founded by the centurion, who lived an admirable life of charity with an impactful influence on future generations.
“President Tinubu affirms 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 competence in the Accounting profession…
“The President fondly recalls sending warm felicitations to the centenarian on his 104th birthday on August 9 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 prays that the Almighty God will receive the soul of Oloye Williams, and comfort his beloved family.”
Also, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed sadness over the death of Chief Williams.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Public Affairs and Communications, Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President said,
“I received the news of the loss of our first indigenous chartered accountant, Chief Akintola Williams with utmost sadness because there could not have been a better time than now that Nigeria needs to drink from his fountain of knowledge and savour his fatherly advice and wisdom.
“It is indisputable that no other Nigerian has impacted the accounting profession as the late sage, for his achievements are firmly entrenched on the sands of history and would remain indelible in the history of our country.”