Tinubu to Fathers: You Are Shapers of Nigeria’s Future

*Obaseki, Shaibu hail fathersDeji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the role of Nigerian fathers saying they are the shapers of the nation’s future.

The President, in his Father’s Day message to Nigerian men, posted yesterday on his verified Twitter handle, @officialABAT, acknowledged the role of fathers, which has continued to make mark on the fabric of the society.

According to him, through their unwavering support and guidance towards their children, fathers have continued to instill the values of compassion, resilience, and integrity.

Tinubu wrote on his twitter handle: “On this joyous occasion of Father’s Day, we come together to honor the remarkable fathers who have left an indelible mark on the lives of their children and the fabric of our society.

“Your love, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication are a testament to the extraordinary role you play in shaping the future.
“To all the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and father figures who have embraced the responsibilities of fatherhood with open arms, we extend our deepest gratitude.

“Your presence in the lives of your children brings strength, stability, and endless possibilities. Through your unwavering support and guidance, you instill in them the values of compassion, resilience, and integrity. We celebrate you today and always. Happy Father’s Day.”

Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed fathers for their sacrifices and roles in maintaining the unity of the family unit and contributing to the development of society.

He reassured that the government would continue to ensure reforms and programmes to open up more economic opportunities so that fathers can satisfactorily meet up to their responsibilities amid the current economic realities.

The governor, who said this in commemoration of Father’s Day, maintained that men play critical roles in homes, workplaces and society and deserve praise for their indispensable role in shaping families and society.

According to him, “Today, we celebrate the indispensable role fathers play in our families and their invaluable contributions to the development and progress of our society. Fathers are not only providers but also nurturers, mentors, and pillars of strength.

“They ensure a harmonious and loving atmosphere within the home, fostering unity, understanding, and mutual respect among family members. The guidance, love, and support of the father shape the character and future of our children, instilling in them values that will contribute to a progressive and prosperous society.”

He added, “In Edo State, we are blessed with fathers who have sired children and raised them up to effectively represent the state nationally and in the Diaspora. Today, we can boast of Edolites who are doing well globally in all spheres of life.”

The governor further noted, “As a government, we are well aware of the economic challenges faced by families in recent times, particularly due to the increase in the prices of goods and services following the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government. We understand the impact this has on your daily lives, knowing that providing for your families is a top priority for you, and are committed to easing the burden you face at this very challenging time.

“While we are intensifying efforts to mitigate the impact of this tough policy on families and ensure that your hard-earned income stretches further, we will sustain reforms and programmes to open up more economic opportunities so that you can satisfactorily meet up to your responsibilities amid the current economic realities.”

Relatedly, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, yesterday, urged parents to teach their children the virtues of godliness and moral discipline, by putting them through the way of the Lord.

Speaking shortly after mass, in celebration of the annual event, at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City, the Deputy Governor noted in a statement that, “mothers should ensure their children understand what fathers are doing to keep the home running.”

“As head of the family, every father should sustain that headship, but not to be autocratic.

“We must also love our wives, because God said so. Women must also be submissive to their husbands.

“I pray as we celebrate today, God will continue to grant all of us the grace, wisdom, knowledge and understanding to help our families grow.
“Growth in the society starts from the family and when families do the right thing, the society will be better for us.”

He added: “I pray God to grant all fathers and would-be fathers their heart desires and sustain us, so that we will be able to provide for our families as well as show our children the way of the Lord.

“We know the situation in the country today, the fuel subsidy removal which has caused us untold hardship. As fathers, this is the time to be more active and join our wives in prayers and do more for them.

“As fathers, we need to do more to augment our pay in order to sustain our families in these hard times. It is not easy, but I pray God gives us fathers, the strength to do so. Happy Fathers Day to all fathers”, Shaibu added.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Edwin Omorogbe stated that God commands us all to honuor our fathers.

He quoted from the book of Exodus 20:12; “Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord, your God has given you”.

According to him, “this commandment is the first with a promise and that honouring our parents is a way to honour God.”