A lot of great minds have helped contribute to the success and formation of Nigeria’s history. Some have gone six feet below the ground, others are still counted among the living while some are yet to be born.
One of those who have helped shaped the Nigerian economy is Akintola Williams, he was the first chartered accountant in Nigeria. Born on August 9, 1919, 99-year-old Akintola reportedly grew up in a wealthy home with generations working with white settlers in Nigeria and the government.
According to Trending Accounting, Akintola’s grandfather was a successful merchant while his father, Thomas Ekundayo Williams was a clerk who worked for the colonial office before starting his legal firm in Lagos. He began his education in the 1930s at Olowogbowo Methodist Primary School, Bankole street in Apongbon, Lagos.
Meet Akintola Williams, the first chartered accountant in Africa Photo: Trending Accounting
Source: UGC
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Through a scholarship scheme, Akintola obtained a Diploma in Commerce from Yaba Higher College. Due to the absence of higher institutions offering commerce courses in the country, Akintola traveled to the UK in 1994 where he became a chartered accountant. This happened three years after the got a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of London.
In 1950, he returned to Nigeria in his quest to help build his economy and business sector. He got a job with the Inland Revenue as an assessment officer and in 1952, he resigned in order to set up his company, Akintola & Co. This company was formed in order to compete with other existing firms in Nigeria.
In 1964 and 1995, his firm grew bigger with over 500 staffs and branches worldwide. In 1983, Akintola resigned at the age of 64 but continued to serve his country as a member of the Nigerian stock exchange.
Akintola held other positions which include president of the Metropolitan Club in Victoria Island, Lagos, Founder and Council member of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. In 1960, he set up the Association of Accountants in Nigeria and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. He was the first president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants until he retired in 1983.
Akintola Williams with his late wife, Efuntilayo Mabel Photo: Trending Account
Source: UGC
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After his retirement, Akintola dedicated his time and effort in various projects in the Arts. He built the concert hall for the Music Society of Nigeria (MUSON Centre), Onikan, Lagos. However, Sir Akintola Williams will turn 100 in 2019.
He was married to his sweetheart, late Efuntiloye Mabel Williams, who later died on Wednesday, July 8, 2009.
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Source: Naija.ng
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