Nigeria President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with the doyen of accounting in Nigeria and Africa, Chief Akintola Williams, as he celebrates 104th birthday.
The President, in a release issued by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, shared in this special moment with all friends and professional associates of the elder statesman, whose vision and resilience has altered the history of Nigeria for the better, by establishing the first indigenous accounting firm in Africa, Akintola Williams & Co., in 1952, which has extended services to many countries.
President Tinubu affirmed the historic role of Oloye Williams in the establishment of several private and public institutions in the country, such as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN), as well as his contributions to democracy and good governance.
The President noted that Oloye Williams began his impactful journey early on as a founding member of Egbé Ọmọ Odùduwà, along with late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and others.
Egbé Ọmọ Odùduwà was at the forefront of the struggle for Nigeria’s Independence, which eventually transited into one of the first political parties, the Action Group.
As the chartered accountant turned 104, President Tinubu believed his presence and wisdom will continue to inspire the younger generation toward imbibing the timeless values of integrity, hard work, and long-term vision, especially with respect to national development.
The President prayed for the continued excellent health of Oloye Williams and his beloved family.
In another birthday message, President Tinubu extolled the leadership and devotion to Allah exemplified by Sheik Hafeez Abou, the Executive Chairman of Lagos Central Mosque, on the celebration of his 101st birthday.
He praised the cleric for his many years of educating the Muslim faithful on all tenets of Islam, even as he has advanced the progress and development of Lagos State and Nigeria through his teachings, which promote peace, harmony and national unity.
Describing the highly respected cleric as a fountain of wisdom whose sense of commitment and duty has not diminished despite his advanced age, the President prayed to God to strengthen Sheik Abou and grant him good health.
According to him: “I rejoice with Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheik Hafeez Abou, for attaining the grand old age of 101. We celebrated his centenary last year. We are grateful to God for granting him the grace of another year in good health. Baba is a fervent and committed leader in the teaching of the Islamic faith, who by his teachings and power of example, continues to personify the virtues of honesty, integrity, and hard work that our nation needs to become a great society.
“I join the family and friends of the celebrant in wishing Baba Abou good health and more grace.”
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
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