Fathers Day

Father's Day History

Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honouring and celebrating fathers, fatherhood, and paternal bonds. This day provides an opportunity for individuals to express their love, appreciation, and gratitude towards their fathers, stepfathers, and other father figures in their lives. The observance of Father's Day plays a vital role in acknowledging the contribution and sacrifices that fathers make to ensure the well-being, growth, and development of their children as well as strengthening the family unit.

In Nigeria, as in many countries around the world, Father's Day has become increasingly popular over the years. Although the celebration of this day in Nigeria was influenced by its Western origin, its significance resonates with the values and traditions of the Nigerian people. Fathers are highly regarded in Nigerian society as they hold positions of authority, responsibility, and guidance within families and communities. Therefore, the observance of Father's Day in Nigeria allows people to reinforce these values and pay tribute to the role that fathers play in shaping the lives of their children and society.

During Father's Day celebrations in Nigeria, traditional customs and activities include attending church services, organizing family gatherings or picnics, and giving gifts such as cards, clothing, or other tokens of appreciation to fathers. Nigerian people may also use the occasion to cook special meals, visit their parents if they live far away, or spend quality time with their father figures. Father's Day not only reiterates the importance of fathers in Nigerian society, but also emphasizes the need to honour and appreciate them for their unwavering love, support, and guidance. Father's Day is observed on June 18th of this year.

Fathers Day facts

• Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd first came up with the idea for Father's Day after hearing a Mother's Day sermon in church. She was raised by her father and wanted to honor him.
• According to Hallmark, Father's Day is the fourth-largest card-sending occasion with 72 million cards given every year.
• The official flower for Father's Day is a rose. Wearing a red rose signifies a living father, while a white rose represents a father who has passed away.
• Nigeria has a diverse population of more than 250 ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions and customs about fatherhood. For example, in the Igbos' tradition, the father is given custody of the children after a divorce or separation.
• Nigerian fathers play a significant role in traditional marriage ceremonies, where the groom is expected to meet the father and seek his approval for marrying his daughter.

In the News and Trending in Nigeria for Fathers Day

Top things to do in Nigeria for Fathers Day

• Arrange a BBQ and invite all of the fathers in your family.
• Spend the day with Dad doing one of his favorite activities: fishing, golfing, hiking.
• Watch a movie or documentary to learn about the experience of fatherhood in Nigeria. Here are our top picks:
  1. The Nigerian Father. This documentary explores the role of fathers in Nigerian families and society, featuring interviews with Nigerian fathers from various tribes and socio-economic backgrounds.
  2. The Joy of Fatherhood. This Nigerian movie tells the story of a man who struggles to balance his roles as a husband, father, and breadwinner in modern Nigeria.
  3. The Child's Right. This award-winning Nigerian movie tells the story of a father who navigates the challenges of raising a daughter in a patriarchal society, while also dealing with the consequences of child abuse and neglect.
• Celebrate Father's Day by preparing a traditional Nigerian dish. Here are our suggestions:
  1. Suya: A popular Nigerian street food made from skewered and grilled meat seasoned with suya spice (a blend of peanuts, pepper, and other spices). It is usually made with beef or chicken and served with sliced onions, tomatoes, and a spicy dipping sauce.
  2. Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup: This combination is popular in Nigerian homes, especially during celebrations. The pounded yam is a starchy side dish used to scoop up the soup, which is made from ground melon seeds, vegetables, and meat.
  3. Moi Moi: A Nigerian steamed bean pudding made from a mixture of peeled black-eyed beans, onions, bell peppers, and spices. It is often served with rice, fried plantains or bread.