Legendary Accountant Akintola Williams Passes Away at 104

The Doyen of Accounting, Mr. Akintola Williams, is reported to have died at 9 a.m. this morning. He recently celebrated his 104th birthday on the 9th of August 2023.

Akintola Williams is the first chartered accountant in Nigeria and established the first indigenous chartered accounting firm in Nigeria called “Akintola Williams & Co.” He has played a major role in founding the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and emerged as the first President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Nigeria (ICAN).

Just a few weeks ago, on the 9th of August 2023, Mr. Williams celebrated his 104th birthday, a testament to a long and extraordinary life filled with accomplishments that have left an indelible mark on Nigeria.

Akintola Williams holds the distinction of being the very first chartered accountant in Nigeria. His pioneering spirit led to the establishment of the first indigenous chartered accounting firm in Nigeria, aptly named “Akintola Williams & Co.” This firm has served as a beacon of excellence in the accounting profession, setting the standard for future generations.

Beyond his groundbreaking work in the world of accounting, Mr. Williams was instrumental in the founding of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). He stood as the first President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Nigeria (ICAN), a position he held with great distinction.

Mr. Williams was not merely an accountant; he was a trailblazer in various public and leadership roles. In 1960, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Association of Accountants in Nigeria (AAN), aiming to train and nurture future accountants. He was not only a founding member but also the first president of this association.

His influence extended to the formation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), where he is the sole surviving signatory to the original Memorandum and Articles of Association at its founding in 1960. He was an integral part of the committee tasked with conducting a feasibility study on establishing a stock exchange in Nigeria.

Mr. Williams served on the Coker Commission of Inquiry into the statutory corporations of the former Western Region of Nigeria in 1962. His contributions to the National Council of the Exchange greatly contributed to the expansion of its listing portfolio and the removal of barriers for companies seeking to list.

His dedication to public service knew no bounds. He chaired the Federal Income Tax Appeal Commissioners from 1958 to 1968 and later presided over the Lagos State Government Revenue Collection Panel in 1973. His unwavering commitment to improving governance led him to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Commonwealth Foundation from 1966 to 1975.

Mr. Williams also spearheaded efforts to correct the anomalies in the Udoji Salary Review Commission as the Chairman of the Public Service Review Panel in 1975. His passion for the arts, culture, and music led him to establish the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) and serve as its founder and chairman of the Board of Trustees.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Mr. Williams was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in April 1997. The Nigerian Government also honored him with the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 1982 and Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2001.

As a lasting tribute to his dedication to the accountancy profession and his promotion of arts, culture, and music through MUSON, the Akintola Williams Arboretum at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation headquarters in Lagos proudly bears his name.

Mr. Akintola Williams leaves behind an enduring legacy of excellence, leadership, and service that will continue to inspire generations to come. His contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development are immeasurable, and he will forever hold a special place in our hearts.