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Dignitaries from diverse backgrounds on Wednesday, paid their respects to late Akintola Williams, Nigeria’s pioneering indigenous chartered accountant, at his residence in Lagos.
Williams, a key figure in the development of the country’s financial sector, passed away at the age of 104 on Monday.
The PUNCH observed dignitaries who continued to offer their condolences, during a visit to the place.
Some of the dignitaries included the Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Group, Oscar Onyema; Chairman, Yinka Folawiyo Group, Tijani Folawiyo; General Overseer of the Trinity House Ministries International, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Senior Pastor of House on the Rock, Paul Adefarasin; former Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational, Emmanuel Ikazoboh; Chairman of Lasaco Assurance, Teju Phillips, among others.
Sources within the residence confirmed the expected presence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, but as of the time of filling this report, the governor had not yet arrived.
Speaking exclusively to The PUNCH, kazoboh, said Williams was embodied with integrity and long lasting values, and influence.
Ikazoboh said, “He was a great icon who imbibed in us his values, standards, he is an embodiment of integrity. If there is anybody in the world today that is integrity-personified, that person has just gone.”
Ighodalo, said, “This is an emotional moment for me for several reasons; I was quite close to Mr Williams. The mention of Chief Akintola Williams, Nigeria’s first indigenous chartered accountant, stirs a wellspring of memories.
“First of all, I am a chartered accountant and everybody knows that he was accountant one in Nigeria. He set the pace for us, especially those of us who set up our private firms.”
Earlier, the white cap chiefs had arrived and proceeded to the living room to offer their condolences. However, when The Punch approached them for comments, they declined.
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