Pa Babatunde Kinyomi, Nigeria's First Auditor, Launches First Book At 94

“At 94, I Can Still Wash And Iron My Clothes And Still Go Places Without A Walking Stick” – Pa Kinyomi.

Pa Babatunde Olaide Kinyomi JP, Nigeria’s first internal auditor, has launched his first published contribution to the auditing profession.

The book, entitled “Guidelines For Modern Internal Auditing Techniques” was launched at the veteran’s twilight age of 94.

The book launch held at the C & S event hall in Ikeja on Thursday, 8th July, 2021 and was attended by prominent Lagosians from all works of life.

The event was chaired by Mr Akin Disu, Chairman, Eagles Paint Nigeria Limited while Chief Rasheed Babatunde, President of Eko Club and Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, first female Deputy Governor of Lagos State acted as Chief Launcher and Co-launcher respectively.

Pa Kinyomi was the first Nigerian to qualify as an Internal Auditor. He worked with the Nigerian External Telecommunication Ltd, now known as NITEL, as the Internal Auditor for many years before he retired in 1976. His colleagues were Mr Akindele, Mr Adebimpe, Mr Ilori, Mr Ogungbemile, Mr Sowade to mention a few.

While in active service, he facilitated the training of most of the Internal Auditors in Nigeria today. he established the Institute of Internal Auditors Nigeria, which was launched at the University of Lagos many years ago.

Recounting his childhood days, Pa Akinyomi said that “life as a youth was very interesting. According to him, before you grafuated from school in those days, employers would have written your school to release you to them for hiring immediately after school. Unlike today, when you see so many youths walking around jobless.” He attributes criminal activities in our society today to joblessness and indiscipline. His words,” we were well disciplined when I was a youth.”

Adumbrating on his educational background, Pa Akinyomi said education is the best thing that has ever happened to him, as it is an accomplishment no one can take from you. “I started school in 1933 at St Patrick’s Primary School, Lagos, after which i proceeded to CMS Grammar School for my Secondary education. I later went to Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) where I studied Accountancy. From there I travelled abroad to further my education at Arkansas State University where I qualified as an Internal Auditor”.

Pa Kinyomi expressed gratitude to his late uncle, who took it up the challenge to sponsor his education. He recalled that many of his contemporaries could not acquire formal education because their parents could not afford it.

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“I have also been able to train my children, and today they are well pleased and giving me rest. I believe that education is the key to success, the legendary legacy any parent can give to their children. My parents gave me education and I have also given it to my children,” Pa Akinyomi said with an air of satisfaction and fulfilment.

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The nonagenarian also wowed the gathering with his display of youthful ebullience. Despite having slid into his mid-nineties, Pa Akinyomi still possesses an adept level of youthful vigour. According to him, he is still able to do most of his basic chores and is yet to experience any symptoms of age-related ailments.

“I still wash my clothes and iron them myself, I love to walk around to allow proper flow of blood through my veins. Though i have some help around the house, I would rather prefer doing it myself because i an still very strong”.