The Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, Bishop of Abuja Diocese and Primate of All Nigeria has celebrated the role of fathers as guardians, providers and protectors of the home. He noted that fatherhood is a calling from God.
In a message delivered on Sunday to mark the Fathers Day celebration, he began by painting a picture of the father as the bedrock of the home, the quiet guardian who stood watch over his family, ensuring their safety and well-being.
He reminded everyone that this position of fatherhood wasn’t just a title, but a high calling, a privilege bestowed by God Himself. “It is a privileged position, it is a calling of God and one must depend on God to do it as He requires of us.”
He described father’s as the wellspring, not just of life, but of identity and purpose within the family. He said that In the eyes of a child, the father was often the first hero, providing defense and protection.
The Primate further explained that fathers are a source of inheritance. He said they passed downmore than just material wealth, they passed down spiritual values, societal standing, and the very essence of their being.
He described how fathers, alongside mothers, acted as spiritual connectors, their prayers and covenants with God opening pathways of blessing for their families. “Fathers are covenant connectors. Their prayers and agreements at with God has opened the heavens to make us who we are today”. He portrayed fathers as natural leaders, men who held a deep desire to see their children and families flourish
He also acknowledged the vulnerability of fathers, stating that their emotions sometimes hidden and their spirits occasionally fragile. He urged families to offer care, to lift their fathers in prayer, and to treat them with tenderness and understanding.
He encouraged them to take a firm stand for their faith, guiding their families back to God’s principles and embracing their spiritual duty as watchmen over their households despite the current situation in the world. As the Primate drew to a close, he acknowledged their vital role in the family and the community. He called upon all family members to show their respect and love, and he offered a final prayer, asking for God’s continued blessings and a bright future for each and every home represented that day. “May God remember our homes and bless us and take us into the future, that He has prepared for us.”
