Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described fathers as the “unsung heroes” of society, commending their sacrifices, resilience, and central role in building stable families and communities.
In a goodwill message to mark the 2026 Father’s Day celebration, the governor said fathers remain indispensable to the nurturing of children and the strengthening of social cohesion, despite prevailing economic and social challenges.
He observed that across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, many fathers endure significant hardship, making daily sacrifices to provide for their families and secure a better future for their children.
According to him, Father’s Day provides an opportunity to recognise the quiet acts of commitment, discipline and selflessness that define responsible fatherhood and sustain generations.
“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. It is the firm hand that corrects and the open arms that forgive. That love is the invisible thread that holds our homes together, and that sacrifice is the foundation of our society,” Fubara said.
The governor noted that many fathers continue to labour under difficult conditions, navigating economic hardship and environmental challenges to provide for their families, describing such efforts as “heroism without medals.”
He stressed that responsible fatherhood remains critical to building stable homes and peaceful communities, adding that the overall stability of Rivers State is closely tied to the strength of its family structures.
“When fathers stand, families stand; when families stand, communities stand; and when communities stand, Rivers State stands,” he stated.
Fubara assured that his administration would continue to draw inspiration from the resilience and sacrifices of fathers in shaping policies aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening family welfare across the state.
He also offered prayers for fathers, grandfathers, guardians and mentors, wishing them good health, strength and longevity to enjoy the fruits of their labour and continue guiding future generations.
Father’s Day is observed annually on the third Sunday of June in Nigeria and several other countries to honour fathers and father figures for their contributions to family life and societal development.
