NSUK Celebrates Father’s Day, Highlights Responsible Fatherhood as Key to Nation Building

The Centre for Gender Studies of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), in collaboration with the Keffi Local Government Council, has commemorated Father’s Day with a public awareness campaign and community celebration aimed at promoting responsible fatherhood and strengthening family and community values.

The event, held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the university, was themed “Fatherhood as a Force for Good” and attracted traditional rulers, government officials, academics, fathers, families, and community members.

Activities began on Monday with the Father’s Cup Football Match and concluded with a series of programmes designed to underscore the role of fathers in promoting moral values, family stability, and sustainable community development.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor of NSUK, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Mohammad Maikano Ari, described fatherhood as a transformative force that should be grounded in responsibility, integrity, compassion, and faith.

Professor Ari commended the Emir of Keffi, His Royal Highness Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, for attending the event and praised the Centre for Gender Studies for organising what he described as a timely initiative to strengthen family values and social cohesion.

He stressed that fathers remain central to character formation and societal development, urging them to support the education, inclusion, and empowerment of their children, particularly the girl-child, while serving as moral guides and positive role models.

The highlight of the celebration was a keynote lecture delivered by the Emir of Keffi, titled “Fatherhood as a Force for Good: Reclaiming the Father’s Role in Building Families, Communities and a Nation Worth Inheriting.”

In his address, Dr. Yamusa described fatherhood as a sacred trust and lifelong responsibility that goes beyond biological parenthood. He said fathers are not only providers but also custodians of values, mentors, and builders of future generations.

According to him, effective fatherhood requires emotional presence, mentorship, guidance, and active involvement in the lives of children.

“A child needs a home, and the difference between a home and a house is the presence of fathers who spend quality time with their children and provide mentorship,” he said.

The Emir noted that the family remains the foundation of society and that fathers play a decisive role in instilling discipline, integrity, justice, fairness, and accountability in their children.

He warned against the consequences of absent fatherhood, stating that communities and nations ultimately bear the cost when fathers neglect their responsibilities.

“When fathers are absent, physically or morally, society ultimately suffers,” he declared.

Dr. Yamusa urged fathers to become deliberate agents of positive change by raising children with strong ethical values capable of making meaningful contributions to society. He maintained that building stronger communities and securing a better future for the nation begins with responsible parenting and active fatherhood.

The traditional ruler also reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace, justice, and development within the Keffi Emirate and encouraged parents to prioritise proper child upbringing as a pathway to a more secure and peaceful society.

Earlier, the Acting Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, Dr. Comfort Adokwe Obed, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and University Management for their continued support of the Centre’s programmes.

She paid tribute to fathers for their sacrifices, resilience, and commitment to family welfare, describing them as indispensable partners in raising responsible citizens and fostering peaceful communities.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Keffi Local Government Council, Honourable Ahmad Idris Damagani, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Comrade Isah Adamu, commended the partnership between the council and NSUK.

He noted that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening families, promoting social cohesion, and advancing community development.

He also praised fathers across the university community and Keffi metropolis for their contributions to family stability, moral development, and national progress, while reaffirming the council’s support for initiatives that promote family welfare and community growth.

The event featured the presentation of awards to participating football teams and other distinguished contributors.

Other highlights included special performances by pupils of the NSUK Staff Demonstration School, interactive games for fathers, entertainment sessions, and community engagement activities.

The celebration concluded with a group photograph, symbolising the collective commitment of stakeholders to promoting responsible fatherhood, strengthening families, building resilient communities, and fostering a nation capable of meeting the aspirations of future generations.