Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Akintola Williams, Nigeria’s first native chartered accountant, who passed away on September 11 in Lagos at the age of 104. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Public Affairs and Communications, Eseme Eyiboh, in Abuja, Akpabio lamented that the nation has lost a revered figure, emphasizing that the late Williams was a pillar in his field.
Akpabio remarked, “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 savor his fatherly advice and wisdom.”
He went on to state that Chief Williams’ impact on the accounting profession in Nigeria is unparalleled, with his accomplishments leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Akpabio emphasized that Nigeria has lost not only an iconic figure but also a respected institution and a father of accountancy. Chief Williams, according to Akpabio, embodied principles of truth, honesty, accuracy, and integrity with fervor.
Akpabio praised Chief Williams as a man of great character, a consummate professional, and a strict disciplinarian, underscoring that his legacy will be a challenge for accountants in Nigeria to match. As the first indigenous chartered accountant, Chief Williams played a pivotal role in establishing Nigeria’s prestigious standing in the global accounting profession. He served as a beacon for multiple generations of accountants who were inspired by his example.
Akpabio extended his heartfelt condolences to Chief Williams’ immediate family, the accounting profession, and all Nigerians on this loss. He prayed that the Almighty would grant the family the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss and that Chief Akintola Williams would find peace in the hereafter.