Nigeria Vice-president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has declared that the responsibility of fatherhood in families and society is key in setting good examples for future generations.
According to a press statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-president on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo stated this on Sunday during a media chat with State House Correspondents, after a special Fathers’ Day service at the Aso Villa Chapel, Abuja.
It said the Vice-president also reiterated the resolve of the Buhari led administration to improve power and infrastructure as well as significant progress in the economy, security, and in the fight against corruption.
While noting that men should honour and love their wives and recognize their roles as partners, he said that it was equally important for them to teach young men to also honour and respect all women.
The statement quoted Osinbajo saying: “Fathers, as you know, have very important role to play in any human society or setting. I think it was (former US) President Barack Obama who said that it’s not the ability to father a child, or the ability to have a child that makes you a father, it is the courage to raise one. That’s really what makes you a father.
“I think that the responsibility of fatherhood is absolutely immense, whether one is a biological father to children or one who wants to take care of other children. All of us have a role to play, not just in the lives of our children, but so many others; those who have no fathers, even some who have fathers; to whom we have a responsibility to set examples to lead exemplary lives. And to bring them up, as the scriptures says, in the way of the Lord.
“So, the responsibility of the father is incredible indeed. One of the most important things is to teach our young men growing up that they must honour women, not just their wives. Of course, you must honour and love your wife, but I think it is also very important that we honour women. We shouldn’t treat them as subordinates; they are not. They are created equal to men. But most importantly, we must honour them and recognize their roles as partners, not just in families, but in society as well.”
Present at the event as noted by the statement were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; other senior government officials and private sector chieftains, including the President/Chief Executive Officer, Coscharis Group of Companies, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, among others.
