Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Fathers’ Day at the Presidential Villa, has admonished men to treat women as equals, while at another end of sprawling complex, First Lady was extolling the virtues of women in the male dominated field of the Armed Forces.
Said Osinbajo, “So, the responsibility of the father is incredible indeed. One of the most important things is to teach our young men growing up that they must honour women, not just their wives. Of course, you must honour and love your wife, but I think it is also very important that we honour women. We shouldn’t treat them as subordinates; they are not. They are created equal to men. But most importantly, we must honour them and recognize their roles as partners, not just in families, but in society as well.”
He noted that the responsibility of fatherhood in families and society is very crucial in setting good examples for future generations, as it would guide them in the right path to lead exemplary lives, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Meanwhile, the First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari, said the excellent display by female military and Police officers during the June 12 democracy day parade would endear many young ladies to join the military.
Buhari said this on Sunday when she hosted the female participants during the maiden edition of June 12 democracy day parade at the Banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“Let me say you have won the hearts of Nigerians including mine. You have also endeared many young ladies and even men to join the military service and contribute in the protection of our dear nation.
“As a champion for all Nigerian women, I am quick to note and appreciate women who have excelled in their different areas of specialisation and we need more women as role models to inspire the younger ones,” she said.
Prof. Osinbajo spoke on Sunday after a special Father’s Day service at the Aso Villa Chapel, Abuja.
On the Next Level agenda of the Buhari administration, the VP said power and infrastructure would improve, and there will be progress in the economy, security, and in the fight against corruption.
Speaking to the press, the Vice President wished every father in the country a Happy Father’s Day.
While noting that men should honour and love their wives and recognize their roles as partners, not just in families but in society, he said that it was equally important for them to teach young men to also honour and respect all women.
The Vice President said, “Fathers, as you know, have very important role to play in any human society or setting. I think it was (former US) President Barack Obama who said that it’s not the ability to father a child, or the ability to have a child that makes you a father, it is the courage to raise one. That’s really what makes you a father.
“I think that the responsibility of fatherhood is absolutely immense, whether one is a biological father to children or one who wants to take care of other children. All of us have a role to play, not just in the lives of our children, but so many others; those who have no fathers, even some who have fathers; to whom we have a responsibility to set examples to lead exemplary lives. And to bring them up, as the scriptures says, in the way of the Lord.
Also present at the Father’s Day service at the Aso Villa Chapel were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; other senior government officials and private sector chieftains, including the President/Chief Executive Officer, Coscharis Group of Companies, Dr. Cosmas Maduka.
The first lady commended the high sense of commitment, patriotism, professionalism and dedication exhibited by the officers during the parade.
She said the discipline and focus in which the officers carried out the assignment was an indication of their loyalty to their Nation.
“This is important knowing that some of you are wives and mothers who have broken the gender barriers to excel in what is generally believed to be a man’s world.
“As a champion for Nigerian women, I am quick to note and appreciate women who have excelled in their different areas of specialisation,” she said.
The first lady also commended the commander, Guards Brigade for ensuring excellent performance exhibited by the Officers during the parade.
In his response, the Commander, Guards Brigade Brig Gen. Umar Musa, expressed appreciation to the first lady for appreciating the gallant display by the officers.
Musa said that the gesture was unprecendented and will spur the officers to do more in discharging their task.
On his part, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr Boss Mustapha, urged the female Military and Police officers to use the event as a morale booster to contribute towards nation building.