Mariam Akinloye
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Distinguished Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, at the weekend joined other eminent accountants who had worked at the famous Akintola Williams and Co, for the night of tributes in honour of the doyen of Accountancy profession in Nigeria, Late Mr. Akintola Williams, FCA,CFR,CBE, who passed at 103 on Monday, September 11, 2023.
Abiru, who represents Lagos East Senator in the National Assembly, an accomplished economist and accountant, started his career at the accounting firm as a trainee in 1990. The lawmaker extolled Late Pa Akintola for his industry, integrity, doggedness and professionalism at all times. Senator Abiru said the tutelage he got at the Akintola Williams and Co, contributed largely to his success in life.
“As one of the young professionals who trained under his dynamic leadership at the Akintola Williams Deloitte, now (Deloitte & Touche), I learnt professionalism, diligence, excellence and candour as the guiding professional principles. The exposure and training at Deloitte adequately equipped and prepared me for the modest success I had in my career. The death of Pa Akintola Williams was a big loss, not only to Nigeria but Africa at large”, Abiru said in his tribute.
He continued, “ Beyond the spheres of accounting, Late Akintola Williams played a pivotal role in the establishment of robust financial systems that underscore the nation’s growth. He advocated for global best practices in public and corporate accounting practice and also championed the development of the accounting profession on the African continent.
“The generations of accountants and auditors he nurtured, and instilled in them the values of diligence, integrity and transparency will forever be indebted to the man who devoted entire life and resources to the development of his nation and the people.
“Today, we all gathered here to celebrate a life well spent in the service of humanity. The professional accolades and well-deserved national honours bestowed on him when he was alive notwithstanding. The greatest legacy of Late Pa Akintola Williams lies in the lives he touched, minds he shaped and transformed, and the enduring example he has set for generations to come.
“As we collectively bid the sage of our respected professional a farewell, I admonish us to reflect on the profound impact he had on our world. The least we can do in immortalising this great icon, is to carry forward his legacy and advance the quest of knowledge, ethics, excellence and professionalism”.
Dignitaries, including retired partners of Late Pa Williams in Akintola Williams & Co, who attended the glamorous event at the Metropolitan Club in Lagos were: Chief Arthur Mbanefo, FCA, CFR, MFR, Dr. Sir. Ike Nwokolo, FCA, OFR, Bisi Oyeleke, Mr. Victor Hammond, Mr. Olusegun Odubogun, FCA, Godwin Opurum,FCA, Emmanuel Ikazoboh,.
Others at the event include, former Nigerian minister of Education, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, Former Managing Director of Polaris, Mr. Innocent Ike, Otunba Teni Zacchaues , Mr. Olajide Adeola, among others.
