By Morenike Tony-Esan, Anthonia Akanji, & Moyinoluwa Afolabi
Fathers are gifts to humanity and should not be taken for granted.
The General Overseer of World Outreach Revival Center, WOREC, Adegbayi, Ibadan, Apostle Peter Akanji, stated this in a message marking this year’s Father’s Day celebration.
Apostle Akanji urged children to acknowledge and appreciate their biological and spiritual fathers for the roles they play in their lives.
The cleric decried a situation where some children remember their fathers only when they have problems, stressing the need for continuous appreciation and support.
Speaking on the theme, “The Godly Man,” Apostle Akanji noted that when men know God personally, there would be a drastic reduction in crime and a positive transformation in the country.
He urged fathers to lead their families by example, bear their responsibilities without grudges, remain transparent, protect their families and uphold integrity.
Also speaking, the Assistant Pastor in Charge of The Word, An Eye Opener International Ministry, Agbofieti, Apata, Ibadan, Pastor Peter Abraham, advised fathers to create a safe and supportive environment where children can freely share their challenges and concerns without fear.
Preaching from Ephesians Chapter Six Verse Four, Pastor Abraham explained that a father’s authority works best when it reflects God’s authority.
He noted that provoking children could lead to frustration, bitterness and rebellion, urging fathers to guide their children towards God rather than merely imposing rules on them.
Some fathers who spoke at the event expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and described fatherhood as a responsibility-filled role both in the family and society.
They also appealed to governments at all levels to intensify efforts towards securing the release of the students and teachers abducted last month in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Similarly, the Vicar of Saint Anne’s Church, Molete, Ibadan, and Archdeacon of Molete Archdeaconry, the Venerable Babatunde Obaweya, admonished men to invest in their wives, mothers and daughters to bring out the best in them.
The Venerable Obaweya said many homes are in crisis because men have failed to invest in the women in their families.
Tracing the origin of Father’s Day, he explained that the celebration was inspired by Sonora Dudd, who sought to honour her father, a soldier who single-handedly raised her and her five siblings after the death of their mother.
According to the cleric, Sonora rallied churches and communities to celebrate fathers in 1908, while the observance was formally celebrated in the United States in 1910.
Highlights of the celebration included presentations by Sunday School children and the presentation of gifts to fathers by the church.
Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle
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