Buhari, Ambode, Amosun, Gowon, Akiolu, Others Celebrate Williams at 99

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, and his Ogun State counterpart, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, thursday congratulated the first African to qualify as a chartered accountant, Chief Akintola Williams, who clocked 99, describing him as a true Nigerian who worked

According to the president’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, Buhari joined Amosun, family and friends, professional colleagues, mentees, and other well-wishers to celebrate the man he said taught Nigerians how to seek and achieve transparency and accountability.

According to him, the president believes that the pioneer efforts of Williams in his chosen field and continued show of interest have transformed the profession into noble heights.

Speaking to journalists at a special birthday reception held in honour of Williams at his Lagos residence, Ambode described him as the doyen of accountancy profession and elder statesman who deserved to be celebrated for his contributions to the growth and development of the country.

According to the governor, “The main reason we are here is to celebrate a true Nigerian who has actually contributed to the development of Nigeria and he is still alive at 99, is worth celebrating and this is like a prelude to the centenary that we are waiting to celebrate next year.

“Apart from the fact that Chief Williams is the Doyen of the Accountancy Profession, we see him as a founding father of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); he is also the founding father of the Musical Society of Nigeria. So, he has too many parts and this is one Nigerian that we are proud of and we are willing to celebrate him every day.”

Responding, Williams appreciated all those who found time to be with him on his special day, and wished them long life as well.

Aside Ambode and Amosun, other eminent Nigerians at the event were former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd); first military Governor of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson (rtd); Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; foremost banker and founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Otunba Subomi Balogun; legal luminary and philanthropist, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo; former ICAN presidents among other captains of industries and members of the diplomatic corps.