September 12, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has joined the family, friends and associates of Chief Akintola Williams in mourning his passing.
THEWILL reports that Chief Akintola Williams, the doyen of accounting and founder of Deloitte Nigeria, died at the age of 104, on Monday morning, at his Lagos residence.
The President, who described Chief Williams as a towering figure in the accounting profession in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, said his death is a great loss to the country.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu described Chief Williams as a “giant of the accounting profession” and a “true patriot”, who dedicated his life to serving his country.
He added that the legacies of Chief Williams will live on in the many young accountants he inspired and mentored.
The President also extended his condolences to the family of Chief Williams and prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.
“President Tinubu sympathises 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.”
The Nigerian Leader affirmed that “Oloye Williams epitomised integrity, resilience and resourcefulness, which was amply demonstrated when he established the first accounting firm, Akintola Williams & Co (Deloitte & 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 believes 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 concerning his investments in lifting the most impoverished and vulnerable of citizens through his robust support for education and healthcare institutions.”
President Tinubu further 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.
President Tinubu prayed that the Almighty God will receive the soul of Oloye Williams, and comfort his family.
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