A trailblazer and first indigenous Chartered Accountant in Nigeria, Pa Akintola Williams, has passed away at the age of 104.
The late Williams reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of Monday.
His legacy is firmly etched into Nigeria’s financial landscape, having played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s accounting profession and fostering the growth of its financial sector.
The late Williams, who was born in 1919, embarked on a path that saw him excel in the realm of accounting.
He pursued his accounting studies at the prestigious University of London and achieved the status of a chartered accountant in 1947. Upon returning to his country, Nigeria, he went on to establish the renowned Akintola Williams & Co., which has since evolved into the respected firm Deloitte & Touche, in the year 1952.
Beyond his professional achievements, Williams was an ardent advocate for the advancement of the accounting profession in Nigeria.
He also played a pivotal role as a founding member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and served as its president from 1963 to 1965.
The late Williams contributed his expertise as a member of the National Board of Accountants and Auditors.
Throughout his illustrious career, the iconic chartered accountant earned a plethora of awards and distinctions, underscoring his exceptional contributions to his country.
These accolades included the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM).
He was also honoured as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
In his passing, Williams leaves behind a legacy that continues to resonate in Nigeria’s financial and accounting sectors, serving as an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.
