Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has extolled the virtues of unconditional love and immeasurable sacrifice as the defining hallmarks of fatherhood and the bedrock upon which families and society are built.
This is as a cleric, Pastor Akeem Idoniboye, has called on fathers not to ignore the aspect of taking care of themselves while handling challenges in the family.
Fubara, in a goodwill message to commemorate the 2026 Father’s Day celebration, paid glowing tributes to fathers for serving as the pillars that hold families together and, by extension, strengthen communities across Rivers State and Nigeria.
The governor noted that across the 23 local government areas of the state, fathers labour daily to provide for their families despite the economic and social challenges confronting the nation.
“Father’s Day is a special occasion set aside to honour the quiet love and selfless sacrifices that fathers make across generations and throughout the world.
“A father’s love is quiet strength. It is the man who leaves home before dawn and returns after dusk so his children can eat and go to school. It is the man who denies himself so his family can have.
“It is the firm hand that corrects and the open arms that forgive.
That love is the invisible thread that holds our homes together, and that sacrifice is the foundation of our society.
“I have seen fathers labour under the sun, paddle through floods and endure hardship, all so that the next generation will have a better chance than they did. That is heroism without medals,” he said.
Fubara emphasised that when fathers stand, families stand; when families stand, communities stand; and when communities stand, Rivers State stands.
The governor stressed that responsible fatherhood produces stable homes, while responsible sons and daughters help to build peaceful neighbourhoods, harmonious communities and a prosperous state.
He pledged that his administration would continue to draw inspiration from the resilience and sacrifices of fathers in building a Rivers State worthy of their commitment and labour.
Fubara prayed that God would grant every father, grandfather, uncle, guardian and mentor good health, strength and long life to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Meanwhile, the lead pastor of the Glorious Destiny Family Church, Borokiri, Port Harcourt, Pastor Akeem, has called on fathers to take care of their health and wellbeing while taking care of the family.
Speaking during a church service on Sunday, Idoniboye stated that the impacts of fathers in families and communities are deeper than can be ever told.
“Whether you are raising kids or guiding others or showing up when it matters, thank you, thank you. Your strength, your patience and your love is helping to shape the world more than you know.
“Today, I celebrate you on behalf of everybody. Fatherhood isn’t just title; it is being a coach, a protector, a provider, a teacher and friend rolled all together in one. To all the men carrying that weight with grace, happy Father’s Day. Your impacts know deeper than ever be told.
“Thank you for leading with courage, for loving with intention and for building families and communities within a circle. Today, I join the world to celebrate you,” he said.
