Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday joined his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote among other distinguished Nigerians, at the funeral service for the first indigenous chartered accountant in Nigeria and an elder statesman, Chief Akintola Williams who died last month.
The funeral service took place at the Shell Hall of the Muson Centre in Onikan, Lagos by the Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo.
It was a gathering of notables, including former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Zenith Bank founder, Mr. Jim Ovia, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd).
The event brought together captains of industry, bank executives, bishops, priests, as well as family, friends, and associates of Chief Akintola Williams from both home and abroad.
During the service, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the late Chief Akintola Williams as an outstanding Nigerian and a prominent figure in Lagos. He praised Chief Williams for his long life, good health, leadership, and his significant contributions to the accounting profession.
“He was also a lover of God, a churchgoer, and a man who built the altar of a church. He had all of the pillars to tick as a good man. We can only wish the family all the very best.
“To the country, we have lost an outstanding Nigerian and for us in Lagos, we lost a big Lagosian. We will continue to have memories of the hospitable life that he lived. I will miss him personally. I believe he lived a good life,” he said.
Governor Abiodun also paid his respects, noting that Chief Williams’ legacy would endure for many years due to his exceptional life and philanthropic endeavors.
He described Chief Williams as an exceptional Nigerian who God granted the grace to live up to 104 years old. “He was a man after God’s heart. He was a big philanthropist and a lover of music. He was a man whose footprint will remain in the sand of time for many years for all that he stood for.
“On behalf of the government and the entire people of Ogun State and my family, we commiserate, congratulate and celebrate with the members of Baba’s immediate family and friends, the government and people of Lagos State, and of course Nigeria at large. We pray that God Almighty will grant the family and well-wishers the heart to bear the colossal loss.”
The Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Makinde, delivered a sermon, urging family, friends, and associates to immortalise the deceased by supporting the Akintola Williams Centenary Building Project of the Church.
The Doyen of Accounting in Nigeria died in his sleep on September 11, 2023 at the age of 104.
Born in 1919, the late Pa Williams studied Accounting at the University of London and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1947.
Upon returning to Nigeria, he established his own accounting firm in 1952, named Akintola Williams & Co. and now known as Deloitte & Touche.
His influence extended far beyond his firm’s success; he was a staunch advocate for advancing the accounting profession in Nigeria.
As a founding member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Pa Williams served as its president from 1963 to 1965. He was also a member of the National Board of Accountants and Auditors.
Throughout his illustrious career, Pa Williams received numerous accolades, including the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM). He was also recognized as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
His contributions to the field of Accounting and his commitment to its development in Nigeria have left an indelible mark, making him a true doyen of the profession and a source of pride for the nation.
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