By Muyideen Olaniyi
President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday joined family and friends of a renowned accountant, Chief Akintola Williams, to celebrate his 103rd birthday.
Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, appreciated God for the grace of long life, strength and impact, particularly in service to the country.
He rejoiced with 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.
He noted other historic achievements of the chartered accountant in establishing the 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.
Buhari acknowledged the many recognitions and awards he had received, including his appointment as Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1997.
The president prayed for Williams’ well-being.
