Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun; and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, were among the eminent Nigerians present at the funeral service of the first indigenous chartered accountant in Nigeria and elder statesman, Chief Akintola Williams.
The funeral service was held at the Shell Hall of the Muson Centre, Onikan, by the Wesley Cathedral in Olowogbowo, Lagos.
Also in attendance were former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; the founder of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia; and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), alongside captains of industry, bank executives, bishops, priests, family, friends, and associates of the deceased from both home and abroad.
Speaking at the funeral service, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the late Williams as an outstanding Nigerian and a prominent figure in Lagos.
He noted that Williams had exhibited leadership at all levels and had elevated his professional colleagues to an esteemed position globally.
The Governor expressed his appreciation for the elder statesman’s long life and good health, emphasising that the country would continue to hold fond memories of his exemplary life.
“At 104, it is hard to describe a man whom God blessed with a long and healthy life. He was an outstanding Nigerian who elevated his professional colleagues to an enviable global level.
He was a devout believer, a churchgoer, and a benefactor who contributed to the construction of a church altar. He checked all the boxes of a virtuous man. We can only extend our best wishes to his family.
“To the country, we have lost an exceptional Nigerian, and in Lagos, we have lost a significant Lagosian. The memories of his hospitable life will linger on. I will personally miss him. I believe he led a virtuous life,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
Governor Abiodun emphasised that Akintola Williams’ legacy would endure for many years due to his principles and achievements throughout his lifetime.
He lauded the deceased as an extraordinary Nigerian who had been blessed with the grace of a 104-year lifespan, noting that few Nigerians can claim to have lived that long.
Abiodun expressed his condolences, congratulations, and celebration on behalf of the government and people of Ogun State, as well as his family, to the immediate family and friends of the late Akintola Williams, the government and people of Lagos State, and Nigeria as a whole.
“We pray that God Almighty will grant the family and well-wishers the strength to bear this immense loss,” the governor prayed.
In his sermon, the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, Dr Sunday Makinde, encouraged the family, friends, and associates to immortalise the deceased by supporting the Akintola Williams Centenary Building Project of the Church.
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