• Friday, November 22, 2024
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NGX Group says Akintola Williams contributions to capital market, private sector remain enduring references

Akintola Williams Memorial lecture (Continuation)

Akintola Williams

Nigerian Exchange Group Plc and its subsidiaries are mourning the loss of one of its founding fathers, Akintola Williams, who died last Monday at the remarkable age of 104.

He was instrumental in establishing the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), now Nigerian Exchange Group Plc following its demutualisation in 2021.

As a member of the National Council of the Exchange, his contributions significantly fostered the expansion of the Exchange’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.

Read also: NGX Group to pay interim dividend to shareholders

In a recent statement, Oscar N. Onyema, group chief executive officer, NGX Group said, “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 organised private sector will remain enduring references, and we deeply appreciate his contributions”.

Read also: NGX RegCo CEO urges banks to embrace ESG for global competitiveness

“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,” Onyema added.

Pa Akintola was the last surviving signatory to the original Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Nigerian Stock Exchange at the founding of the NSE on September 15, 1960.

Iheanyi Nwachukwu, is a creative content writer with over 18 years journalism experience writing on banking, finance and capital markets. The multiple awards winning journalist is Assistant Editor, BusinessDay. Iheanyi holds BSc Degree in Economics from Imo State University; Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Management from University of Lagos. Iheanyi has attended several work-related trainings including (i) Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (Pan African University, Lagos); (ii) News Agency Journalism (Indian Institute of Mass Communication {IIMC}, New Delhi, India); and (iii) Capital Markets Development and Regulations (International Law Institute {ILI} of Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA).

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