The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria’s first indigenous chartered accountant, Chief Akintola Williams, who died on Monday in Lagos at the age of 104.
Akpabio, in a condolence message on Tuesday, signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Public Affairs and Communications, Eseme Eyiboh, lamented that the nation has lost an icon, adding that the late Williams was an institution.
Akpabio said, “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”, the Senate President stated.
According to Senator 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.”
The Senate President further noted that Chief Williams was a perfect gentleman, a professional to the core and a strict disciplinarian whose footprints would be difficult to be matched by any accountant in Nigeria. “He symbolized hard work, resilience and determination,” he pointed out.
Akpabio added, “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.the loss of this sage.”
“May the Almighty God grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and may He have mercy on the soul of Chief Akintola Williams and welcome him in His paradise, amen,” the statement added.
