Today, I raise my voice, my pen, and my heart in celebration of the pillars upon which families, communities, and nations quietly stand—our fathers.
Fatherhood, in its truest sense, is not just a biological role; it is a divine responsibility—a sacred calling to love, lead, provide, protect, and inspire. It is the quiet courage to carry burdens without complaint and the brave resolve to sow seeds of greatness in the hearts of children who may never fully understand the weight of that gift.
As we mark Father’s Day 2025, I honour every man who has risen to this calling with strength, humility, and love.
👑 Fathers: The Unsung Heroes of Humanity
Behind every bold dreamer, confident child, and empowered woman, there is often the silent hand of a father who cheered us on, believed in us before we believed in ourselves, and taught us what it means to stand tall—even when the world says sit.
Whether biological, adoptive, spiritual, or symbolic, fathers are the architects of identity, the builders of legacy, and the custodians of generational greatness.
🙏🏽 To the Fathers Among Us—and the Fathers We’ve Lost
To all the fathers, grandfathers, father figures, coaches, mentors, spiritual guides, and community leaders—thank you for being the compass in chaos and the rock in times of uncertainty.
Your discipline teaches us structure.
Your sacrifices teach us gratitude.
Your faith teaches us resilience.
And your love, often quiet but deep, teaches us how to live.
To my beloved late father—your principles, strength, and warmth still echo through every chapter of my life. I carry your legacy with pride and purpose.
💫 Fatherhood is Leadership. Leadership is Legacy.
As a mother, leader, community builder, and daughter of destiny, I understand deeply that the role of a father extends far beyond the home. Fathers shape communities. They are the first leaders many of us ever know—and their influence stretches from our family dinner tables to the cornerstones of nation-building.
This Father’s Day, let us do more than send messages and buy gifts. Let us intentionally honour the men who anchor our values, model integrity, and give meaning to strength without violence, power without pride, and love without condition.
🌍 A Father’s Impact is Global
From the narrow streets of Ikorodu to the far corners of the world, we see the fingerprints of fatherhood in every generation that dares to hope, to build, and to rise. As we forge ahead in our mission to create a more just, compassionate, and visionary Nigeria, may we never forget that great nations are born from great fathers.
💙 To All Fathers: You Are Deeply Loved. Eternally Honoured.
Whether you are still with us or have ascended to glory, today we pause to say:
We see you.
We love you.
We thank you.
May your sacrifices never go unnoticed, and may your love return to you in multiplied joy.
Happy Father’s Day!
May your hearts be full, your legacy secure, and your days surrounded by the appreciation you so richly deserve.
With all my love, honour, and respect,
Aarebirin Hon. Princess (Dr.) Folashade Olabanji-Oba
National Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGONVC)
Executive Vice Chairman, Ikorodu LGA
Global Peace Ambassador | Community Builder | Champion for Women and Humanity