By Charles Okonji
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has described Mr. Akintola Williams as a trailblazer, an icon, and a symbol of excellence in the accounting profession.
The 59th President of the Institute, Dr Innocent Iweka Okwuosa, who stated this on Tuesday in Lagos during a special Valedictory Council Session in honor of the late Doyen of accounting, noted that he was the first Black African to qualify as a chartered accountant.
According to Okwuosa, “He was more than just a pioneer in his field; he was a trailblazer, an icon, and a symbol of excellence.
“Today, we gather here not only to mourn the passing of a distinguished and illustrious figure but to celebrate the extraordinary life of Mr Akintola Williams, CBE, CFR, B. Comm., FCA. The transition of our Doyen is not just a huge loss to the Institute, but a loss to the world as we are deprived of a man of exemplary commitment to Accuracy and Integrity. Mr Williams, the first Black African to qualify as a chartered accountant, was more than just a pioneer in his field; he was a trailblazer, an icon, and a symbol of excellence.
“Upon his return to Nigeria in 1950, Mr Williams joined the Inland Revenue as an assessment officer. In March 1952, he took a bold step and founded Williams & Co., becoming the pioneer of the first indigenous chartered accounting firm in Africa. This was a groundbreaking achievement that opened the doors for countless aspiring accountants in Nigeria.
“Mr Williams was more than a professional; he was a visionary leader who contributed to the establishment of the Association of Accountants in Nigeria in 1960, serving as its first President. He was also a founding member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and played an instrumental role in the creation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
“Throughout his illustrious career, he left no stone unturned, actively engaging in public service as Chairman of the Federal Income Tax Appeal Commissioners, participating in various governmental commissions, and contributing significantly to numerous organizations and foundations. His dedication to his profession, his country, and his community was unrivaled. Mr Williams embodied the true spirit of a patriot and a nation builder.” Okwuosa stressed.
In his tribute,”WILL THERE BE ANOTHER?” Mr George M. Okufi, who represented Past Registrars noted that the members of ICAN woke up to a situation – “there is a vacant seat at the top of the table. Who will fill the void? No one has provided an answer.”
Okwuosa recalled that in 1954, Williams made a broadcast on WNBS “Rediffusion Service – How to be a Professional Accountant,” pointing out that the broadcast turned the attention of non- science students to accountancy.
“Williams was described as the first African to study and qualify as a Chartered Accountant in Nigeria and therefore the Doyen of Accountancy Profession both in Nigeria and Africa.
“He was extremely humble and modest towards his achievements. The first Accountancy Firm practising in Nigeria was Casselton Elliot. Mr. Akintola Williams’ firm was the first Nigerian practising Firm.
“In 1968, he was very influential in helping ICAN to start its own examinations under the supervision of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
“He was the person who advised the then Western Nigeria Government on where to train accountants to look after the many Corporations it was creating. Men of power, reputation and influence neither pace the earth wildly nor trudge any path and clumsily.
“His life enriched the lives of so many people and any life that has that achievement to its credit, should occasion celebration, not grief when it comes to its end. His, has come to an end.
“He was a key component in the success story of ICAN. Every enduring edifice is dependent on the strength of its pillars. Every profession creates its own legends and icons.
“Members of ICAN are grieving but not mourning. Not yet – Let us remember the happy moments. The mourning will come later.
“In the ancient city of Florence, a tribute was written on “TantoNominiNullumPar Elogium” (For so great a name, no praise is adequate) a tomb.
“God will grant his soul eternal rest and peace to the family, friends, professional colleagues, beneficiaries and admirers he left behind,” he said.
