Celebrating Today’s Fathers
On a cool Sunday morning in 2011, then-President Barack Obama walked into the family’s private quarters, holding a tray of pancakes for his daughters. Despite running the most powerful nation on earth, that moment wasn't about politics or global strategy—it was about Sasha and Malia. A father first.
Today, as the world celebrates Father’s Day, we honour not just the men who brought us into the world, but the ones who stayed, who showed up in board meetings and ballet recitals, who gave both their business plans and bedtime prayers equal importance.
From Lagos to London, from the White House to the village square, from Wall Street to Ojota, we celebrate the men who understand that true leadership starts at home.
Here are 20 powerful lessons we can all learn from these exceptional men:
Fatherhood by Divine Example
Before we look to kings, presidents, and billionaires, let’s look at the two most influential figures in global religious history: Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
✝️ Jesus Christ – Fatherly Love Through Sacrifice
Though not a biological father, Jesus modeled divine fatherly love through sacrifice, protection, and intentional mentoring.
He nurtured his disciples like sons, washed their feet, prayed for them, and even gave His life for them.
Lesson: True fatherhood is not just about blood—it’s about sacrificial love, leadership, and legacy.
Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) – Father and Mentor to a Nation
The Prophet deeply loved and honored his daughters—especially Fatimah (RA), whom he would rise to greet.
He played with his grandchildren, guided his family with mercy, and corrected with gentleness.
Lesson: Being a father is not authoritarian; it’s being present, tender, and principled.
1. Leadership Starts at Home
Example: Barack Obama made family dinners non-negotiable.
Practical Lesson: No matter how powerful or busy you are, your children must never feel like strangers to your leadership. Prioritize moments like school runs, homework, bedtime prayers, and weekly check-ins. They will remember your presence more than your position. Infact No position is permanent in life, today Barack Obama is an ex president, your position today is a temporary position professionally and don't allow such titles or positions make you miss out on being present when it matters the most as Fathers or Parents in the lives of your family.
2. Success at Work Shouldn’t Come at the Expense of Family
Example: Tony Elumelu often shares family moments while building an empire.
Practical Lesson: Block out sacred family time on your calendar. Success is hollow when your children feel like they are competing with your ambition. Let them feel like co-beneficiaries, not victims, of your journey.
3. Be Present, Not Just Available
Example: RMD shares emotional moments with his grown-up children.
Practical Lesson: Put down your phone. Ask meaningful questions. Celebrate small wins like passing a test or overcoming fear. Eye contact, laughter, and listening create bonds that availability alone cannot.
4. Involve Your Kids in Your Journey
Example: Aliko Dangote takes his children along on trips and investments.
Practical Lesson: Give them age-appropriate insights into your work—take them to the office, share your business wins and losses. Let them learn your work ethic early, not just inherit your success.
5. Speak Life Over Your Children
Example: Will Smith consistently affirms his children publicly.
Practical Lesson: Replace criticism with confidence-building statements. Tell them what you see in them: “You are wise,” “You’re a leader,” “You’re creative.” These become internal affirmations that shape their future.
6. Model the Discipline You Expect
Example: Sam Adeyemi lives by the principles he preaches.
Practical Lesson: Let your kids catch you praying, learning, apologizing, and being kind. Children learn more from what you do than what you say. Live your values, don’t just preach them.
7. Emotional Intelligence is a Father’s Superpower
Example: Femi Otedola cheers on his daughters’ diverse careers.
Practical Lesson: Learn to say “I’m proud of you” without needing perfection. Express love openly. Show empathy when they fail or cry. Emotional validation is how you earn emotional trust.
8. Build Values Before Wealth
Example: Warren Buffet gave his kids financial wisdom, not handouts.
Practical Lesson: Teach delayed gratification, contentment, generosity, and budgeting. Let them manage small amounts of money and learn from mistakes early. Character is the best inheritance.
9. Protect the Family Brand
Example: Oba Otudeko guards his family’s dignity in public.
Practical Lesson: Keep family issues off social media. Teach your children to value discretion and protect their name. The family name should open doors, not raise eyebrows.
10. Teach Through Transparency
Example: Denzel Washington discusses parenting openly.
Practical Lesson: Share your mistakes. Talk about how you struggled as a father, student, or businessperson. Vulnerability makes you relatable and your lessons more credible.
11. Let Your Children Choose Their Path
Example: Dr. Cosmas Maduka mentors without micromanaging.
Practical Lesson: Don’t force your dreams on them. Help them explore passions, even if different from yours. Support their decisions while guiding with wisdom—not pressure.
12. Celebrate Their Wins Loudly and Proudly
Example: Steve Harris posts proudly about his daughter’s achievements.
Practical Lesson: Be their biggest cheerleader. Brag about them the same way you brag about your business. Your applause can silence self-doubt and strengthen their confidence.
13. Set Boundaries to Create Balance
Example: Gbenga Oyebode separates work from home.
Practical Lesson: Don’t bring boardroom stress into your bedroom. Have tech-free family hours. Respect weekends. These boundaries show your children they matter more than meetings.
14. Create Family Rituals
Example: Tony Elumelu’s vacations are legacy-building experiences.
Practical Lesson: Build rituals like Sunday breakfasts, movie nights, or monthly outings. These traditions give children emotional roots and beautiful lifelong memories.
15. Raise Men and Women of Purpose
Example: Nelson Mandela raised children and communities in purpose.
Practical Lesson: Expose your children to causes, books, service, and faith. Help them see life beyond themselves. Purpose-driven children become value-driven adults.
16. Say “I’m Sorry” When Necessary
Example: Will Smith publicly acknowledged his mistakes.
Practical Lesson: When you shout unnecessarily or make a wrong decision, apologize. It teaches them that even great men are human -and honorable.
17. Teach Financial Wisdom Early
Example: Jim Ovia teaches his children about financial systems.
Practical Lesson: Let them earn allowances. Involve them in small family financial decisions. Introduce them to savings, investments, and giving back. Money talks should start at home.
18. Write and Document Your Legacy
Example: Dr. Myles Munroe left teachings that outlived him.
Practical Lesson: Write notes, record voice memos, share your story. Your journals, videos, or memoirs may become the manual that guides your children when you're no longer here.
19. Raise With Faith and Grace
Example: T.D. Jakes' daughters are strong, spiritual leaders.
Practical Lesson: Pray with your children. Teach them faith, forgiveness, and identity in God. Don’t just raise achievers—raise believers.
20. Prioritize Relationship Over Reputation
Example: Bishop David Oyedepo’s children see him first as dad, then as global leader.
Practical Lesson: Never let the pulpit or platform replace the pillow talk at home. Protect your relationship with your children, even when your public image is at risk. People can replace your title, but your children only have one “you.”
Final Thoughts:
Your children may forget your awards, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.
Whether you are a CEO, a pastor, an artist, or an artisan, your most lasting influence may be the children you love, shape, and lead.
Question of the Day:
Which of these lessons will you commit to practicing this week—in your home, mentorship, or daily interaction with the next generation?
Task of the Day:
Write or record a tribute to a father figure (living or late) who modeled one or more of these principles. Let the world know that fatherhood still matters.
Written by Dr. Laide Okubena
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