Nigeria has bid farewell to a remarkable figure in its financial history, Akintola Williams, who passed away at the remarkable age of 104. Mr. Williams holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first indigenous chartered accountant and played an instrumental role in shaping the nation’s accounting profession and fostering its financial sector.
Born in 1919, Mr. Williams embarked on a journey that led to his excellence in the field of accounting. He pursued his accounting studies at the prestigious University of London and earned the esteemed status of a chartered accountant in 1947. Upon returning to Nigeria, he established the renowned Akintola Williams & Co. in 1952, a firm that has since evolved into the respected Deloitte & Touche.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Williams was a staunch advocate for the advancement of the accounting profession in Nigeria. He was a founding member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and even served as its president from 1963 to 1965. He also lent his expertise as a member of the National Board of Accountants and Auditors.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Williams received numerous awards and honors, recognizing his exceptional contributions to his homeland. These accolades included the prestigious Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM). Furthermore, he was recognized as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
In his passing, Mr. Williams leaves behind a legacy that continues to reverberate in Nigeria’s financial and accounting sectors. He remains an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come, and his contributions to his country will be remembered with deep gratitude.
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