Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described fathers as the “unsung heroes” whose sacrifices form the bedrock of stable families and a prosperous society.
In his 2026 Father’s Day message Sunday, Fubara said fathers play indispensable roles in nurturing families and strengthening communities despite prevailing economic and social challenges.
The governor noted that across Rivers’ 23 local government areas, countless fathers endure daily hardship, often denying themselves comfort to secure a better future for their children.
“Father’s Day offers us a moment to celebrate the quiet acts of love, commitment and selflessness that define fatherhood,” Fubara said.
“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. That love is the invisible thread that holds our homes together, and that sacrifice is the foundation of our society,” he stated.
Reflecting on struggles faced by many fathers, Fubara said he had witnessed men labour under harsh conditions, paddle through floods and persevere through adversity to create opportunities for the next generation.
“That is heroism without medals,” he added.
The governor stressed that responsible fatherhood is critical to building peaceful communities, arguing that “when fathers stand, families stand; when families stand, communities stand; and when communities stand, Rivers State stands.”
Fubara assured that his administration would draw inspiration from the resilience of fathers in pursuing policies that reward hard work and promote family well-being.
He also prayed for good health, strength and long life for fathers, grandfathers, guardians and mentors “to reap the rewards of their labour and guide future generations.”
Father’s Day is observed annually on the third Sunday of June in Nigeria and other countries to honour the contributions of fathers and father figures to family and societal development.
