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A FATHER’S LEGACY: MORE THAN WORDS, MORE THAN BREAD
By; Onímòèro Olatunde Alejo
(Osumare)
Today, I pause not as a politician, not as a public servant, but simply as a son, a father, and a Nigerian to pay tribute to the men whose shoulders carry nations: our fathers.
In our homes, they are the foundation. In our communities, they are the silent protectors. In a world that demands more than it gives, fathers wake up early, stay up late, give even when they have little, and teach by example when words are not enough.
A father’s love is not always loud.
Sometimes, it’s the firm hand that says “no” with love.
Sometimes, it’s the tired eyes after a long day’s work, still helping with homework or fixing something broken at home.
Sometimes, it’s the quiet prayers no one hears for a better future for their children.
As a father myself, I understand the weight of responsibility. Raising children in today’s Nigeria requires more than just provision; it demands values, presence, and vision. We must teach integrity, plant hope, and lead by the same discipline we wish to see in our sons and daughters.
“The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.”
— Proverbs 20:7
To the fathers who stayed…
To the fathers who tried, even when the world tried to break them…
To the uncles, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, pastors, and guardians who stood in the gap…
We see you. We celebrate you. We thank God for you.
Let this be a reminder: being a father is not just about DNA; it is about sacrifice, service, and showing up. Our children are watching. The world is watching. The future is waiting.
Let us raise men who are responsible and kind. Let us raise women who are confident and grounded. Let us raise a generation that honours the weight and worth of fatherhood.
As we celebrate today, let us also commit to becoming better men, better fathers, and better nation builders. The home is where it starts. The community is where it spreads. The country is where it shows.
Happy Father’s Day to every man doing his best quietly, courageously, and with great heart.
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