The doyen of the accounting profession, Pa Akintola Williams, has passed away at the age of 104 years old.
News Direct reports that the foremost accountant died Monday, September 11, 2023.
For those who don’t know him, Pa Williams pioneered Nigeria’s accounting profession and was instrumental in developing the country’s financial sector.
Born in 1919, he studied accounting at the University of London and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1947.
He returned to Nigeria and later set up his accounting firm, Akintola Williams & Co., now Deloitte & Touche, in 1952.
Akintola Williams, who celebrated his 104th birthday on August 9, is a trailblazing figure in the Nigerian accounting world.
He played a pivotal role in placing Africa on the global accounting map alongside a major South African firm led by Howard Pim.
The Companies Act of 1968 and the promotion of indigenous business ownership in the 1970s boosted the demand for Akintola Williams & Co.’s services. The firm also diversified into management consultancy and other services.
The centenarian explained that several factors, including dedicated teachers and a determination to succeed, contributed to shaping him into the accomplished individual he has become.
