On Father’s Day 2024, four Catholic fathers from Cameroon, Kenya, and Nigeria discussed their experiences of fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of being present, protecting family values, and addressing the challenges facing African families.
Tony Nnachetta, a father of four from Nigeria, reflected on the lifelong commitment of fatherhood. He highlighted the importance of imparting Christian values to his children and supporting them through prayer. Nnachetta also pointed out how poverty is undermining family values, making young men reluctant to enter marriage or causing them to leave their families in search of better opportunities.
Matthew Njogu, a father from Kenya, stressed the need for fathers to be actively involved in their children's lives. He advised against merely providing material support, emphasizing the importance of engaging in daily routines, such as helping with homework and spending time with children to build strong connections.
In Cameroon, Edward Chaleh Nkamanyi, a father of two, underscored the joy of raising a Christ-centered family. He urged fathers to protect their families from societal dangers and to embrace their God-given role in shaping their children's lives.
Alfred Magero from Kenya, raising his children in a low-income area, shared the challenges of fatherhood in environments plagued by poverty and negative influences. He encouraged African fathers to instill strong family values and warned against adopting harmful foreign practices that could erode African traditions.
These fathers’ stories provide a powerful reminder of the vital role fathers play in guiding their families through faith, presence, and moral leadership.
