Pa Akintola Williams, Nigeria’s first chartered accountant, turned 103 on Tuesday, August 9.
He was born on August 9, 1919. That was after World War I had ended. August 9, 1919, he was born.
Pa Akintola Williams was the first president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and was instrumental in establishing the accounting association in Nigeria in 1960 with the goal of training accountants.
In a past interview, he revealed the secrets of his long life:
“The secret of my longevity is moderation. In everything I do, I strive to be moderate, and I mean moderate, a little of this and a little of that – not too much. Whether it is what you eat, what you drink, or whatever you do, just be moderate and you will live a refreshing, strong, and fulfilling life.
” When you are excessive in your daily life activities, you lose a life and its fantastic quality. But when you keep it moderate, you will not only be in control but enjoy life abundantly.
” Also, you have to endeavor to live a simple life, avoid controversies, conflicts, over-ambition, just live a simple life and life will be your friend.
“Please always take enough rest. I always observe my siesta, sleep about eight hours every day, and generally have enough rest. Your body is your priceless possession, so, please do not abuse it, for if you do, you will lose it.
” And please, do not play with exercise – mental, physical, and spiritual. The three go hand in hand. I still do my studies and attend to professional matters referred to me.
“For once you stop exercising your brain, you die literally. I keep fit and I do not live a sedentary life.”
Pa Akintola Williams, who gave Vanguard this interview when he was 92, was the first Nigerian to become a chartered accountant.
In the early 1930s, he enrolled at Olowogbowo Methodist Primary School, Bankole Street, Apongbon, Lagos Island, Lagos, the same primary school that his late junior brother Chief Rotimi Williams attended. Rev James Kehinde Williams, his younger brother, was a pastor in the same church. Methodist Church of Olowogbowo.
To honor him, an intimate celebration was held.
Watch video below.
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