By Olusegun Obisanya
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, has said that no society grows to an enviable state without the inevitable contributions of the citizens.
The president of ICAN, Dr Innocent Okwuosa stated this on Monday at a news conference to commemorate the life and times of the doyen of accountancy profession in Nigeria, Pa Akintola Williams in Lagos.
Okwuosa said: “Let me reiterate the essence of this press conference. It is to re-echo the importance of thinking beyond ourselves and to see the bigger picture of service to humanity. We are here to restate the immutable law that no society grows without its citizens realising that nation-buildinh is a collective responsibility. This simply encapsulates what Mr. Akintola Williams practically demonstrated in his 104 years of existence.
“The Doyen’s life was that of sacrifice and service and service and he used every opportunity to positively impact lives. It suffices to say that without his visionary leadership, we may not be here today. He established an Institute that remained a formidable force in accounting profession not only in Nigeria but globally.”
Okwuosa called on those in position of leadership to follow the path of “truth and integrity” as Pa Akintola Williams did. He eulogised the deceased by emphasising his incorruptability and disciplined life.
“Corruption is an albatross to national prosperity. Mr Akintola Williams remains one of the illustrious Nigerians whose character was untainted with any form of financial misappropriation. As Chartered Accountants, one way we would immortalize his memory is to continue to advocate for a society where accountability and transparency are the norm rather than the exception.”
While the president disclosed plans by Institute to immortalize the doyen by naming ICAN building in Abuja after him, he celebrated the “incurable passion for entrepreneurship of Mr Akintola Williams, which according to him, ICAN his championing what he started.
“Following his path, ICAN is championing different initiatives to make its members, and the society at large, not only job seekers but job creators. We have collaborated with institutions like the Bank of Industry and the First Bank of Nigeria Limited in establishing the ican-BOI Innovation Plus Hub and an Entrepreneurship Development Centre respectively.”
Okwuosa maintained that ICAN will continue to celebrate Pa Akintola Williams’ indelible marks.
