Fathers: These Unsung Heroes

In the complex drama of human society, one group stands out for its quiet and selfless love. They seek no attention or acclaim, yet voluntarily shoulder everyone else’s burdens, often behind a smile that hides their own pain, stress and illness. We take for granted that they rise before dawn to run the generator during a power cut, or carefully file away receipts for school fees and hospital bills they have just paid. We see it as “normal” for them to endure a two-hour PTA meeting after a gruelling day at work. We do not notice the subtle note of heartache in their voices when they ask us if we have eaten, or the anxiety shadowing their eyes when they ask “are you okay?” when what they actually mean to say is “I am worried about you.” We call them “Dad”, “Daddy”, “Papa”, “Pop” “Papi” or simply “Pa” … and yesterday, June 21, 2026, designated by the international community as Fathers’ Day, the world supposedly took a minute to honour, acclaim and celebrate these unsung heroes. However, calendars do not dictate the occurrence, drift or expression of fatherhood. Beyond the immediately perceived acts of procreation, provision and protection, a father guides, guards and governs. This is no small feat, for each decision, choice and action carries the weight of foundations being laid, lives being shaped and destinies being forged. Put simply, fathers are the bedrock upon which the nation is defined, built and established. Everything each of us is can be traced back to whoever played the role of “father” in our lives. From the identity we bear to the personality traits we exhibit, the imprint of our fathers is plain to see. Therefore, as the world took time off yesterday, 21 June, to honour fatherliness, it is important that we understand and remember: being a father cannot and should not be about the activities of a single day. Whilst it is right to let “Daddy” know we see him and appreciate the burden he gladly bears for everyone, our recognition must be nurtured so that it spans the lifetime of small acts of love fathers give. For generations, the community has defined “The Father” through the symbols attached to the role: building the home, imposing firm discipline, and having the final say. In times past, “Daddy” was often the figure at the head of the dinner table, deeply respected and at times feared, yet rarely acquainted with his household on an emotional level. He conveyed responsibility more through deeds than through words or explanations. His love ran deep, but its language was coded: a mended roof to express guardianship, a stern glance to offer guidance, or a silent dash to hospital at two in the morning to demonstrate his duty of care. Today, the definition is far broader, and society’s expectations of the role run considerably deeper. A father is now expected to excel at both ends of the spectrum: to be provider and nurturer, protector and confidant, disciplinarian and friend. He is expected to be in the delivery room to cut the cord, and, years later, in the kitchen preparing and packing lunchboxes. He is expected to know his daughter’s teachers by name and to understand the jargon of his son’s circle. Today’s fathers are coming to realise that progress demands a paradigm shift, and that the old adage “strength means silence” no longer holds true. Irrespective of whether one is in Yaounde, New York or London, the essence of fatherhood remains the same: being a bulwark of hope between those he loves and whatever might harm them. Sometimes the threat is hunger; sometimes it is a poor decision or the world’s indifference. Whatever the case, the mission and its mandate remain unchanged. Yesterday’s focus was on all fathers, not merely those deemed perfect. This commemoration is about the real fathers’ life places in our path: the stepfather who came in and stepped up; the grandfather who accepted the challenge of raising children again; the uncles, pastors, teachers and neighbours who assumed the mantle of “Dad” when the original was no longer present. I speak...