•Say he epitomised integrity, resilience, resourcefulness

Deji Elumoye, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos

President Bola Tinubu and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, have commiserated 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.

Deloitte and Touche also announced that it received the news of the passing of Williams with great sadness and described the deceased as “an esteemed figure in the accounting industry and an influential member of the Nigerian community”.

They all sent their condolences via separate statements.

Tinubu, according to a statement issued yesterday by his media adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, sympathised with the government and people of Lagos and Ogun states, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and other financial institutions that were founded by Williams.

Tinubu affirmed that Williams epitomised integrity, resilience and resourcefulness, which were amply demonstrated when he established the first accounting firm, Akintola Williams & Co (Deliotte & Touche) by in 1952. He said the firm inspired self-confidence in a generation of professionals who would make further impact in strengthening transparency and competence in the accounting profession.

The president believed the numerous honours, recognitions and awards received by Williams during his lifetime, including the OFR and NNOM awards, hardly reflected his immense contributions to the growth of the nation and humanity, particularly with respect to his investments in lifting the most impoverished and vulnerable of citizens through his support for education and healthcare institutions.

Tinubu noted the historic role played by the first indigenous chartered accountant in the public service, having served at various times as 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 Chairman of the Public Service Review Panel to correct the anomalies in the Udoji Salary Review Commission.

The president fondly recalled sending warm felicitations to the centenarian on his 104th birthday, on August 9, and appreciating his position in the history of Nigeria, and Africa, having scored many firsts in establishing institutions that have shaped the African economy over his lifetime.

Tinubu prayed that the Almighty God would receive Williams’ soul and comfort his family.

Akpabio, in a statement, expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria’s first indigenous chartered accountant. In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Public Affairs and Communications, Eseme Eyiboh, the senate president lamented that the nation had lost an icon, adding that the late Williams was an institution.

Akpabio stated, “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 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.”

According to Akpabio, “Nigeria has, indeed, lost an icon, an institution and father of accountancy who stood for truth and honesty and proclaimed the principle of accuracy and integrity with passion.

“Chief Williams was a perfect gentleman, a professional to the core and a strict disciplinarian whose footprints will be difficult to be matched by any accountant in Nigeria. He symbolised hard work, resilience and determination.

“As the first indigenous chartered accountant, he played a significant role in etching Nigeria’s enviable place on the world map in the accounting profession. He was also a role model to many generations of accountants, who took to the profession because of him.

“I join millions of well-wishers across the globe to condole his immediate family, the accounting profession and, indeed, the entire Nigerians on the loss of this sage.”

Deloitte and Touche, in a statement titled, “The Doyen Takes a Bow at 104,” issued in Lagos by the Brand Communications/Growth Office, Deloitte and Touche, Mr. Henry Okorafor, stated, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chief Akintola Williams, an esteemed figure in the accounting industry and an influential member of the Nigerian community.

“At the age of 104, Chief Williams leaves behind a legacy that will forever be remembered.”

The statement added, “Chief Williams was not just an accountant; he was a trailblazer who paved the way for countless professionals in his field. His commitment to excellence and his tireless efforts made him one of the most respected individuals in the business world.

“Through his dedication and determination, Chief Williams transformed the accounting landscape in Nigeria and beyond.”

It noted Williams’ journey from humble beginnings but, “his relentless pursuit of knowledge propelled him to become the first qualified indigenous chartered accountant in Nigeria.

“This achievement marked the beginning of his extraordinary career and set a precedent for others to follow.

“Throughout his long and illustrious career, Chief Williams played a crucial role in shaping the financial sector.

“As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the impactful life he led – a life marked by his commitment to excellence, philanthropy, and nation-building. His impact will continue to resonate with us, guiding our values and inspiring us to reach new heights.

“The partners and staff of Deloitte Nigeria mourn with his immediate family, loved ones, and the entire nation at this difficult time.

“Although we are deeply saddened that he is no longer with us, we would continue to uphold Akintola Williams’ legacy and preserve the indelible mark he left”.