Nigeria’s first indigenous chartered accountant, Akintola Williams, who died at the age of 104 on September 11, 2023, was laid to rest in grand style at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Lagos, Thursday.
During a sermon at the funeral service, the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Sunday Makinde, urged family, friends and associates to contribute to immortalising the deceased by supporting the Akintola Williams Centenary Building Project of the church.
The event had some dignitaries in attendance, including the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun; a former governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun; and a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ike Nwachukwu.
Others present included the Zenith Bank Chairman, Jim Ovia; Chief Executive Officer of Troyka Holdings Limited, Biodun Sobanjo; President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; co-pastor, House on The Rock Church, Ifeanyi Adefarasin; Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Oliver Abba; and Lagos State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Steven Adegbite, among others.
Several activities were held of the late Akintola before the funeral service in honour.
The Doyen’s walk organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria was in recognition of how the legacy of Williams had impacted the accounting profession in Nigeria and globally. The President of the institute, Innocent Okwuosa, highlighted the qualities that stood out in the deceased’s personality and encouraged members to embrace his life of sacrifice and impact.
Okwuosa said, “The Doyen’s life was that of sacrifice and service, and he used every opportunity to impact lives positively. It suffices to say that without his visionary leadership, we may not be here today.
“Akintola Williams’ leadership style was impeccable and every leader in their own right must follow the pact of truth and integrity as he did. He remains one of the luxurious Nigerians whose character was untainted with any form of financial misappropriation.”
ICAN also held a valedictory service in honour of the deceased on Tuesday, where the president encouraged members to sustain Williams’ legacy.
On Monday, the Deloitte Night of Tribute had notable personalities in attendance, including the former Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Oscar Onyema; former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku; and the son of the deceased, Seni Williams, among others.
