Okowa Celebrates Foremost Accountant, Akintola Williams At 100 Yrs, Hails Senator Osakwe At 71

Delta Governor, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has felicitated with foremost accountant and elder statesman, Chief Akintola Williams, who turned 100 years on Aug. 9.

He congratulated the doyen of accounting profession and Africa’s first chartered accountant for his pioneering role in the profession, and extolled him for the honours and pride he brought to Nigeria and Africa.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba on Saturday, the governor noted the centenarian’s outstanding contributions to the growth and vibrancy of accountancy in Nigeria and Africa.

He commended for bracing the trail in establishing legacy institutions that had continued to play significant roles in the nation’s economy.

“Your untiring efforts as one of the first professionals in Africa distinguished you as a thoroughbred professional, seasoned administrator and consummate entrepreneur.

“Your contributions as founding member and the first President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and how you championed the establishment of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 1960 remained commendable and worthy of emulation. 

“Nigerians are indeed, proud of your great accomplishments, and you will remain an institution and a model as you have remained a respectable voice in bridge-building across the country, he said.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I heartily rejoice with a legendary leader and elder statesman, a man of utmost integrity and outstanding professionalism, Chief Akintola Williams, as he celebrates his centenary birth anniversary. 

”I am pleased to join your family, professional colleagues and other well-wishers in thanking God for blessing you with the strength and wisdom to live a fulfilling life of service and great accomplishments.

“It is our prayer that God will continue to protect you and grant you good health to render more services to mankind,” the governor added.

Similarly, Governor Okowa has felicitated with renowned politician, businessman and elder statesman, Senator Patrick Osakwe, as he turns 71 years on Aug. 11.

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba, extolled Osakwe for his outstanding contributions to the development and political evolution of the state.

Congratulating the distinguished ex-lawmaker, the governor lauded him for his unalloyed commitment to the growth and cohesion of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta and the country, describing him as partyman of inestimable value. 

Okowa also commended Osakwe for his untiring efforts at bridge-building and efforts towards reconciling aggrieved members of the PDP in Delta, saying he was a political leader with great passion for the development of his Ndokwa people and Delta North in general.

He recalled Osakwe’s contributions as a three-time Senator, who served in the Senate Committees of Gas, Banking, Insurance & Other Financial Institutions, Appropriation, Niger Delta and Senate Services where he influenced the construction of several strategic link roads in Ndokwa land and beyond. 

He said: “As a party leader and stalwart, you have remained a respectable voice, bridge-builder and we appreciate you for your consistency and loyalty to our great party.

“Your commitment to the growth and development of our party and Delta State is exemplary and worthy of commendation. 

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I heartily rejoice with a great leader and elder statesman, a reputable and reliable political ally, Senator Patrick Enebeli Osakwe, as he celebrates his 71st birth anniversary on Sunday, August 11, 2019.

”I am pleased to join your family, political associates and other well-wishers in thanking God for blessing you with the strength and wisdom to live a fulfilling life of service and commitment to the well-being of our people.

“It is our prayer that God will continue to protect you and grant you good health to render more services to mankind.” the Governor added