A Father’s Day Tribute Beyond the Grave and Across Humanity
By Dr. Otunba Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
Today, as the world stands still to say “Happy Father’s Day”, I pause with a heart full of memories, gratitude, and silent strength to celebrate not only the fathers who are still with us, but those whose voices have become echoes of love in eternity.
To my late loving and caring father, Engr. Sunday S. Aiyeku, and to my four dearly beloved late brothers who carried the torch of manhood with honour — I raise my voice to the skies and say, “Thank you for the footprints, the sacrifices, the wisdom, and the love you gave.”
How do you celebrate someone whose physical presence is gone, but whose influence never fades?
You do so by living the values they stood for.
You do so by becoming the kind of human being they would be proud of.
You do so by sharing their legacy in your words, in your work, and in your walk.
“Fathers may leave the earth, but they never leave our hearts. Their lessons become our inner compass.”
~ Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
This Father’s Day, I extend warm tributes not just to biological fathers but to every kind of father figure:
– To the Stepdads who choose love over blood every day.
– To the Foster dads who open their homes and hearts to the forgotten.
– To the Single dads fighting hard to raise their children against the odds.
– To the Adoptive dads who create family beyond biology.
– To the Great women who courageously play the role of both father and mother —
your strength redefines parenting.
– To all the dads in heaven, watching over us — we carry your name with honour.
And let me be very clear: this celebration excludes those who only fathered children but never fathered responsibility — the absent, abusive, irresponsible, and gangster fathers who abandoned their sacred duty.
Fatherhood is not in biology alone — it is in character, presence, provision, and protection.
“Being called a dad isn’t enough. It’s what you do with the title that determines your legacy.”
~ Amb. Aina Olusiji Ph.D
Rhetorical Reflections:
Who taught us strength in silence and courage in chaos?
A real father did.
Who worked with cracked hands and tired eyes, just to keep us clothed and fed?
A real father did.
Who taught us that love is discipline, and provision is responsibility?
A real father did.
Let us reflect deeply today:
Are we building or abandoning?
Are we present or making excuses?
Are we nurturing or just existing?
“A father’s greatest gift is not just in what he gives, but in what he leaves behind — values, vision, and virtue.”
~ Engr. Sani Ndanusa FNSE, FNICE, FNIM, MARAFAN NUPE
To every father who is trying, thriving, failing, yet rising again — this day is for you.
To those who never had fathers, but became phenomenal fathers themselves — you are the miracle your bloodline needed.
To those grieving today like me — remember, love never dies. It transforms into legacy, and legacy never fades.
Happy Father’s Day!
To the seen and the unseen.
To the near and the far.
To the fallen and the faithful.
To those who deserve the honour — not just the title.
“Fatherhood is not about perfection; it is about presence, persistence, and purpose.”
~ Mukadam Asiwaju Idris Asiru, FCA
May this day remind us all: the world still needs good men who choose fatherhood not as a duty but as a destiny.
Warmest reflections,
Dr. Otunba Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
(Son, Brother, Father, and Voice of Eternal Gratitude)
