Appreciating Our Fathers And Father-Figures Beyond Father’s Day Celebration 

The above, notwithstanding, the prominent role of a father can never be overemphasized as it is pivotal in shaping the lives of their children and the dynamics of the family’s peace, unity, and progress.

In the light of above therefore,  I join my  faith with the Christian community around the world to celebrate this auspicious day; as it provides yet another opportunity to reflect on the importance of fathers and recognize the profound impact they have on our personal growth, development and entire lives from childhood, teenage years, adulthood, and till the end of times.

However, it is also heart-warming to note that today’s fathers have significantly evolved. More intentional than their forebearers as they are not just seen as providers, disciplinarians and breadwiners of their families, but also as nurturers, caregivers, and active participants in their children’s lives.

We have seen billionaires dropping their children off to school (school runs), assisting in their little way in dishing out meals for their pregnant wives, doing minor house chores, shopping themselves, helping the children out with school assignments at home during  their spare time, playing with the kids and visiting the cinemas. Today’s fathers have created more friendly and fun-filled  atmosphere at home than their forebearers in the 50s, 60s,70s, and 80s.

Despite the rewards and joys of fatherhood, it also comes with its own set of daunting challenges like balancing work and family life, which is one of the most significant hurdles faced by modern fathers. The pressure to excel in their careers, securing business deals or contracts, and the anxiety of succeeding at all costs before hitting the retirement age bracket.

In appreciating these iroko trees (Igodo ezi n’ulo, ishi paa mba)—our beloved  fathers and sacrificial lambs — I wish to celebrate a few of them as a way of encouraging them for their leadership roles and ability to take responsibilities against all odds.

 And this note of appreciation, is not necessarily by any order of arrangements as captured below:

✓HRM Eze (Dr.)  Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu

(Ezeigbo Ghana, Global  Peace Ambassador).

✓ HRM King Ateke Michael Tom

(Amanayabo of Okochiri Kingdom, United Nation’s Peace Ambassador).

✓High Chief Dr. Johnbosco Chukwuma Ozigbu

 (Ogwuaga of Ogwuaga, Lord Mayor of Nwangele LGA).

✓ HRH Eze Oshmiri lll Obinna Akwiwu

(Dim Ohamadike ll of Ogwuaga)

✓ HRM Eze (Dr.) O.D. Nwandu

 (Akaraka lll of Ihitteaforukwu Kingdom)

✓ High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu

(Onowu Anara Ancient Kingdom)

✓ HRM Eze Dr. Dogulas Okwara

(Igwe of Umuna Ancient Kingdom)

✓ High Chief Ikenna Anthony Obele

(Okwunze Aguata)

✓ High Chief Ikechukwu Abraham Otti

(Mighty Mighty Umuchu)

✓ HRM Eze (Dr.) Chris Maduabuchi Umeh

(Ezeigbo Japan|Ara N’azu Nwa)

✓ Nze Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie

(Chief of Staff, IMGH)

✓ Dr. Chima Amadi

(Mazi Gburugburu)

✓ Nze Barr. Chinedu Anyaehie

✓ Nze Dom Apala Njoku

✓ Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanynwu

(DSP, IMHA)

✓ Chief Michael Onuoha

(Eririego of Igboland)

✓ High Chief Bright Chimezie Njoku

(Publisher, Nigerian Horn Newspapers)

✓ Amb. Dr. Tochil Nwaneri

(Global Peace Ambassador).

✓ Bridg.Gen. TM Opurum

✓ Dr. Batos Nwadike

(Oyi of Igboland)

✓ Chief Engr. Celestine Opurum

✓ Chief Nikky Jonas Okeke (MON)

✓Rt. Hon. Ozurigbo Ugonna

✓ Dr. Ejike Chukwu (MON)

✓ Dr. Sir.  Stanely Chiedoziem Amuchie

✓ Chief Dr. Alex Mbata

✓ Hon. Chief Ikenna Power Okoro

✓ Chief Charles Ahize

(Charley Akporoka )

✓ Nze Barr. Franklin Iwunze

(Ogbuagu Nkwerre)

✓ Rt. Hon. Henry Nwawuba

✓ Sen. Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi

✓ Chief Sir Jeff Uju

(Akurulo of Abba)

✓ Chief Chris Onwuzurike

(Akachanwa, Lord Mayor of Ekitiafor Abba)

✓ Dr. Fabian Ihekwem

(Omu— the Ancient Seer)

✓ Dr. Uzoma Obiyo

✓ High  Chief Dennis Okwu

(Sweet Apple)

✓ Chief Ifeanyi Nwosu

✓ Chief Charley Orie

✓ Chief Cassy Osuoha

✓ Hon. Amb. Charles Mbachu

✓ Chief Jude Opara

(Shapume)

And my beloved father in posthumous – Pa Lawrence Njoku, who gave birth to the trending contemporary global media expert – MacD.

The absence of a father or father figure can undermine progress in a family, subject the children to untold hardship, and have significant negative impacts on their development.

Let’s therefore, continue to pray for our fathers as we dedicate everday to appreciating their sacrifices beyond Father’s Day Celebration.