President Muhammadu Buhari has celebrated the first Nigerian Chartered Accountant, Chief Akintola Williams, on his 103rd birthday.
The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, on Wednesday, recalled the many starling achievements of the doyen of Accounting, as well as his contributions to the development of Nigeria and the African continent.
“President Muhammadu Buhari joins family and friends of renowned accountant, Chief Akintola Williams, to celebrate his 103rd birthday, appreciating God for grace of long life, strength and impact, particularly in service to the country.
“President Buhari felicitates with Chief Williams for scoring many firsts, which brought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa, being the first Nigerian to qualify as a chartered accountant in England in 1949, and starting the first indigenous chartered accounting firm in Africa in 1952.
“The President notes other historic achievements of the chartered accountant in establishing Association of Accountants in Nigeria in 1960 with the goal of training accountants, being a founding member and first President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and full involvement in setting up the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
“On his 103rd birthday, President Buhari acknowledges the many recognitions and awards he has received, including appointment as Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1997.
“The President continues to rejoice with the chartered accountant, and prays for his wellbeing”, the statement said. (Nation)
