Emmanuel OchayiThe Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX) and its subsidiaries have mourned the passing of one of its founding fathers, Pa Akintola Williams, who departed this world on Monday at the remarkable age of 104.
Pa Williams, a luminary in Nigeria’s corporate landscape, left an indelible mark on the nation’s capital market.
Pa Akintola Williams, who is referred to as the “Grandfather of Nigerian Finance,” played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), which has now evolved into the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc following its demutualization in 2021.
As a member of the National Council of the Exchange, his contributions were pivotal in shaping the Exchange’s destiny, fostering the expansion of its listing portfolio, and instituting regulations that facilitated easier access for companies seeking to be listed on The Exchange.
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The Group Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Mr. Oscar Onyema, expressed his condolences, saying: “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.”
Mr. Onyema further highlighted Pa Williams’ unwavering commitment to ethical standards and top-notch professionalism, adding that the recent collaboration between NGX Regulations, a subsidiary of NGX Group, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) was a testament to the strong foundation laid by the late centenarian in the accounting sector.
“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,” he added.
Today, as Nigeria mourns the loss of this exceptional figure, it is worth noting that Pa Akintola Williams held a unique distinction as the last surviving signatory to the original Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Nigerian Stock Exchange at its founding on September 15, 1960.
In his memory, the Nigerian capital market continues to draw inspiration from his enduring legacy, ensuring that his vision of a vibrant, ethical, and professional financial landscape lives on for generations to come.
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