By Gloria Onyeanusi
As Catholics globally marked this year’s Father’s Day celebration, a frontline aspirant for the Anambra State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Afam Stanley Uzoegwu, has called for a renewed commitment to responsible and value-driven fatherhood.
In a goodwill message to mark the occasion widely observed among the Catholic Church faithful, Uzoegwu described fathers as foundational pillars in the upbringing of children, stressing that their influence extends beyond provision to shaping character and societal values.
According to him, effective fatherhood plays a critical role in nurturing children’s physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological development, thereby preparing them to become responsible citizens capable of navigating life’s complexities.
He emphasized that fathers must go beyond traditional roles by actively instilling discipline, promoting resilience, and encouraging independence among their children; qualities he said are essential for building a stable and progressive society.
“Fatherhood is a noble calling that demands consistency, sacrifice, and moral leadership,” he stated, adding that the future of any society is largely determined by the quality of parenting within homes.”
Taking a broader perspective, Uzoegwu linked the celebration to nation-building, noting that raising morally upright and confident children is key to addressing societal challenges such as youth restiveness, crime, and declining value systems.
He, therefore, urged fathers to remain steadfast and intentional in their responsibilities, while also calling on communities and institutions to support men in their parenting roles.
The APGA aspirant concluded by extending warm wishes to fathers across the state and beyond, celebrating their sacrifices and reaffirming the cultural reverence for fatherhood with the Igbo expression, “Ndi nna niile, Ihe dị ka nna akọnà anyị,” loosely interpreted as the immeasurable worth of a father.
The message has since resonated among stakeholders who see Father’s Day not just as a celebration, but as a moment for reflection on the evolving role of men in family life and national development.
Gloria is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
