By Chibuzo Ihegboro
From 2020, Lions Club International Nigeria will commence an annual lecture in honour of Sir Akintola Williams for his contribution to the development of the club in Nigeria.
This was announced at the 100th birthday anniversary celebration held for the centenarian at the Nigeria Airforce Officers’ Mess, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, September 7, 2019.
The event declared open at 4:45 pm by Lions Club Multiple Council Chairperson (MCC) Adetunji, had in attendance Sir Akintola Wiliams himself and members of his family, as well as Lions Club members from all over Nigeria. Dignitaries at the occasion include former deputy governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, Bashorun J.K. Randle and Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) among others.
READ ALSO: UNGA: Buhari due in America Sunday
Williams, doyen of the accounting profession in Nigeria, and one of the founding fathers of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) is a national monument of sorts. He clocked the milestone 100 years on August 9, 2019, and has been widely celebrated across Nigeria and beyond the shores of the country. The Lions Club International in Nigeria (Multiple District 404) had set aside September 7 to celebrate the man who is the first Nigerian Lions Club and has all his life been an epitome of service and truly represents the essence and ethos of the leading service organisation in the world.
In his speech, Williams expressed his pleasure at being honoured by the club.
“To be there as one hundred is not an easy age and thanked God for making it possible to be alive with the Lions,” he said, expressing a wish to live longer and celebrate more years with Lions.
He reminded the members of the organisation about the need to appreciate Lions’ Club achievements and he enjoined them to continue good work. He also charged young people to ensure that Lions Club shall always build their society in their various capacities and to this end urged them to build vibrant branches of the club in every nook and cranny of Nigeria.
Williams ended his speech with prayers for every member of the organisation and a pledge to continue to do his best for as long as he lives and breathe.
The organisation to which he was an emblem tried modestly to appreciate one of their pillars in Nigeria. After a rendition of a special Lions anthem, past District Governor Biodun Adediji presented him with a gift and a letter from Dr Jung-Yul Choi, International President, Lions Club International, who wrote in from Illinois, USA, to congratulate him on the occasion of his 100th birthday.
“Your legacy extends beyond your impressive achievements and is a testament to the capacity of an individual to make a difference in the world,” wrote Choi. “You are the breath that sustains our association and the voice that speaks our motto, “We Serve,” to those in need.”
READ ALSO: 34,000 children face acute malnutrition in Taraba—UNICEF
Choi further added: “Your contributions have made a real difference in your club and in your community. For more than 58 years, your hard work and perseverance have improved the lives of others and your commitment to service ensures that many more lives will be positively impacted in the years to come.”
Presenting the gift, Adedeji affirmed that Sir Williams does not belong to the body of accountants or Stock Exchange alone, but also belongs to the Lions organisation.
His address was followed by that of the President of Doyen Lions Club (the first Lions Club established in Nigeria) and then a gale of testimonies from people of all walks of life.
The occasion featured cutting of the 100th birthday anniversary cake and the unveiling of the commemorative lapel pin in honour of Doyen Akintola.
A few other resolutions also came to light. Chief among these is the decision to start using his image, at occasions, on memorabilia or signage to depict the Lions Club anywhere in Nigeria, for according to the Club, Doyen Akintola William is to Nigeria what Melvin Jones (Lions Club founder) is to the international body.
It was also announced that in 2020, an Akintola Williams annual lecture will be instituted.
Tokunbo Williams while appreciating Lions Club gesture towards her father also appreciate the good work he has devoted himself to in the society. “I thank my father for shining his light on the country through Lions Club,” she said.
