NSUK Centre for Gender Studies Celebrates Father’s Day, Emphasises Fatherhood as a Pillar of Nation Building

The Centre for Gender Studies, 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 community values.

The event, held on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, at NSUK, was themed “Fatherhood as a Force for Good” and brought together traditional rulers, government officials, academics, fathers, families, and community members to celebrate the critical role fathers play in shaping families and society.

The celebration commenced on Monday with the Father’s Cup Football Match and culminated in a series of activities designed to spotlight the importance of fathers in fostering 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 must be anchored on responsibility, compassion, integrity, and faith.

Professor Ari commended the Emir of Keffi, His Royal Highness, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, for honouring the occasion and praised the Centre for Gender Studies for organizing what he termed a timely intervention in promoting 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 remaining steadfast in their responsibilities as moral guides and role models.

The highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by the Emir of Keffi, His Royal Highness, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, titled “Fatherhood as a Force for Good: Reclaiming the Father’s Role in Building Families, Communities and a Nation Worth Inheriting.”
In a thought-provoking address, the Royal Father described fatherhood as a sacred trust and lifelong responsibility that transcends biological parenthood. He emphasized that fathers are not merely providers of material needs but are custodians of values, mentors, and builders of future generations.

According to him, effective fatherhood requires emotional presence, guidance, mentorship, and active participation 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 stated.
The Emir noted that the moral fabric of society is largely shaped within the family, where fathers play a decisive role in instilling discipline, integrity, justice, fairness, and accountability in their children.

He warned against the consequences of absent fatherhood, stressing that society pays a heavy price when fathers neglect their responsibilities either physically or morally.
“When fathers are absent, physically or morally, society ultimately suffers,” he declared.

Dr. Yamusa further urged fathers to become deliberate agents of positive change by nurturing children with strong ethical values capable of contributing meaningfully to society. He maintained that rebuilding communities and securing a better future for the nation begins with responsible parenting and active fatherhood.

The Emir also reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace, justice, and development within the Keffi Emirate and called on parents to prioritise the proper upbringing of their children as a pathway to a more peaceful and secure 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 glowing tribute to fathers for their sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering commitment to family welfare, describing them as indispensable partners in raising responsible citizens and building 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 collaboration between the Council and NSUK, noting that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening families and promoting social cohesion.

He lauded 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 community development and family welfare.

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 resolve of stakeholders to promote responsible fatherhood and build stronger families, resilient communities, and a nation worthy of future generations.

©️ Information and Protocol Unit, 2026.
Nasarawa State University, Keffi