Aduragbemi Omiyale
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group Plc and its subsidiaries have expressed sadness over the death of one of its founding fathers, Pa Akintola Williams.
Mr Williams, a renowned chartered accountant, peacefully died in his sleep, according to his family, on Monday, September 11, 2023, at the age of 104.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NGX Group described the death of Mr Williams as a “profound loss to the Nigerian capital market” and the country.
He was the last surviving signatory to the original Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), which is now known as the NGX, at the founding of the NSE on September 15, 1960.
“This is a profound loss for the Nigerian capital market and the nation as a whole. Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most distinguished professionals and forward-thinking corporate leaders.
“His memory is forever etched in the history of the Nigerian capital market as one of the greats. Pa Akintola Williams’ contributions to the capital market and organized private sector will remain enduring references, and we deeply appreciate his contributions.
“He was all about a strong ethical culture and upholding top-notch professionalism. The recent collaboration between NGX Regulations, a subsidiary of the NGX Group and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) is a testament to the solid groundwork Pa Akintola laid in the accounting industry.
“His visionary leadership, standard of excellence and legacy will be cherished and upheld by all of us who had the privilege of witnessing his remarkable achievements,” the chief executive of NGX Group, Mr Oscar Onyema, said.
Mr Williams was instrumental in establishing the nation’s stock exchange. As a member of the National Council of the Exchange, his contributions significantly fostered the expansion of the bourse’s listing portfolio, and he played a pivotal role in instituting regulations that lowered the hurdles for companies seeking to be listed on the exchange.
