Wike urges fathers to be agents of peace

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has felicitated with Fathers on the occasion of Fathers Day, urging them to be agents of peace, discipline, uprightness and development.

In a message on the celebration of the 2017 Fathers Day, Governor Wike advised fathers to work with mothers to build homes that would contribute meaningfully to the growth of the state and humanity.

He charged fathers to be worthy role models to their children, pointing out that their role remains critical to the peace and development of the state.

The governor assured all families in the state that his administration would continue to implement projects and programmes that would empower them to cater to the needs of their children.

He appealed to fathers to use the occasion of the 2017 Fathers Day to re-dedicate themselves as fathers, meditate on the significance of their paternal duties and strengthen their family structures for the sake of their children.

He said as a father himself, he would continue to live an exemplary life that will serve as an encouragement to other fathers in the state.

In a similar message, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Banigo called on fathers not to shirk their responsibilities to their families no matter the challenges that may confront them.

According to Dr. Banigo fathers are supposed to be symbols of discipline and mentorship in homes, stressing that the family becomes dysfunctional when a father fails to play his role.

She said unruly behaviour, truancy, cultism and gangsterism amongst young people can be traced to the absence of a fatherly figure in their lives and urged Fathers to ensure that they direct their children to the right path at all times.

The Deputy Governor quoted Proverbs 22 verse 6 which says “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it” said it behoves on fathers to be up and doing in the upbringing of their children.

“I remember with nostalgia how I was groomed by my father during my formative years and today I am a Public Health Physician and a Deputy Governor.” She said to underscore the importance of fatherly tutelage.

She enjoined fathers not to decline from training their female children adding that, “It is because my dad determined to train me to my fullest potential that I have been able to succeed in life today”.