The Chairman of the Catholic Men’s Organisation of Nigeria (CMON), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Adeleye, Mr. Patrick Eka-Iloma, has called on Christian fathers to actively engage in civic responsibilities to promote good governance and societal development in Nigeria.
Eka-Iloma made the call on Sunday May 3, 2026 during the celebration of the 2026 Father’s Day of the CMON held at the church on Sunday.
According to him, the celebration, themed “Civic Engagement of Christian Fathers as Agents of Change for Good Governance in Nigeria,” was significant because it reminded fathers of their responsibilities to their families, the church and society at large.
He said fathers had duties beyond caring for themselves, stressing that they must contribute positively to nation building.
“Today is very significant to us because as fathers, we have responsibilities not only to ourselves and our families, but also to the church and society.
“The church is calling on us not just to be fathers, but to engage in civic responsibilities that will make society a better place.
“We have to participate during elections, engage with our leaders, take part in environmental sanitation and question certain things happening around us, especially in terms of security,” he said.
He urged fathers to lead exemplary lives, noting that children usually followed the footsteps of their parents.
“Our message to fathers is that we must show the responsibilities expected of us as good citizens and members of the church.
“We must also remember that whatever we do at home, our children are watching and learning from us,” he added.
Catholic Men Urged to Embrace Civic Responsibilities for Good Governance
Also speaking, the immediate past chairman of the CMON in the church, Mr. Anthony Oyana, described Father’s Day as a moment of celebration and unity among men in the church.
“We are celebrating Father’s Day to felicitate with one another. It is a thing of joy because getting men together and leading men is not easy.
“Our message to men out there is to join their fellow men. We are not a secret society; we are here to move the church forward and empower ourselves,” he said.
A former chairman of the organisation, Chief Charles Ogbonna, said some members were recognised during the event for their contributions to the growth of the CMON in the church.
He encouraged men who were yet to join the organisation to do so, describing the CMON as the pillar of the church.
“The principal thing about being a father is to care for yourself and your family. If you fail to do that, then you are not fulfilling your role as a father.
“A real father cares for his family and also supports the church,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr. Paul Itodo, a catechist and Life Auxiliary Assistant Secretary of the CMON, commended the leadership of Iloma, describing him as humble and committed to the progress of the organisation.
“Our slogan is ‘Christ is our leader.’ Men are supposed to be the economic pillars of their homes irrespective of the economic situation.
“If a man is unable to fully meet his responsibilities and the wife is assisting, such a woman should be appreciated and loved for supporting the family,” he said.
He noted that understanding and cooperation between couples would help maintain peace and happiness in homes while men continued striving to fulfil their responsibilities.
“It is not easy to be a man,” he added.
Also, the Laity Chairman of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Adeleye, Mr. Charles Nwaokolo-oba, urged fathers not to despair despite the challenges associated with fatherhood.
Nwaokolo-oba said fathers deserved appreciation for their sacrifices, struggles and sleepless nights spent providing for their families.
“It is not easy to be a father because of the many struggles and sleepless nights just to meet up with responsibilities.
“My prayer is that God will continue to protect and bless all fathers and grant them long life to enjoy old age with their spouses,” he said.
He urged children not to forget the sacrifices made by their fathers in raising them.
“Fathers may not be perfect, but their sacrifices are for the good of their children. They should always remember that there was a time their fathers toiled and suffered for them,” he added.
Nwaokolo-oba also encouraged fathers to take time to relax and celebrate themselves on Father’s Day.
“All fathers should enjoy themselves today, take a moment out, give yourselves a treat and stay away from anxieties and troubles.
“Tell yourself, ‘Today I am here to enjoy myself.’ Happy Father’s Day to all fathers,” he said.
Newsmen reports that the father’s had fun celebrating themselves and reminding themselves of the important role they play in the church.
It is noted that since Vatican Council II, the Catholic Church had continued to promote active participation of the laity in the life and mission of the church.
Also, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has continued to urge the lay faithful to play active roles in the civic space by participating in the electoral process as change agents.
