The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has joined Nigerians to celebrate the first Chartered Accountant in the country, Professor Akintola Willams who turned 103 years.
Newsonline reports that Peter Obi stated that it was an honour to celebrate a man who pioneered the accounting profession in the country.
The former governor of Anambra State described Professor Williams as a seasoned administrator, successful entrepreneur, experienced corporate leader and dedicated public servant whose enormous contributions to the economic development of Nigeria.
In a statement released by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi said:
“I am honoured to join our compatriots as we celebrate a renowned and distinguished Nigerian, Prof. Akintola Williams who marks his 103rd birthday today.
“For many decades, he was a seasoned administrator, successful entrepreneur, experienced corporate leader and a dedicated public servant whose enormous contributions to the economic development of Nigeria will be celebrated for years to come.
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“Chief Williams touched, transformed and contributed immensely to the growth and development of the accounting and financial services sector in Nigeria and Africa.”
Chief Akintola Williams was born on 9 August 1919. He was a Nigerian accountant and was the first Nigerian to qualify as a chartered accountant.
He began his education at Olowogbowo Methodist Primary School, Bankole street, Apongbon, Lagos Island, Lagos, in the early 1930s; the same primary school his late junior brother Chief Rotimi Williams attended. His youngest brother Rev James Kehinde Williams was a pastor in the same church. Olowogbowo Methodist Church.
His firm was founded in 1952 and later grew through mergers to become the largest professional services firm in Nigeria by 2004.
Professor Atintola Williams participated in founding the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. During his long career, he has received many honours.