The week-long activities for this year’s Fathers’ Day celebration at Ikotun Parish of the Presbyterian Church in Lagos, climaxed with a thanksgiving service where the men were charged to be role models in preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. Assistant Politics Editor, DANIEL KANU, reports…
Mr Frank Udemba with wife after receiving his award
They were all looking resplendent in their white shirts on black pair of trousers, full of smiles as they acknowledged cheers from members of the church and guests who had come to rejoice with them. The white top, TheNiche gathered, represents the headship role of the father both in the family and the society at large.
It was the thanksgiving service of Fathers’ Day at Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN), Ikotun Parish, Lagos.
The event, which took place penultimate Sunday, June 22, was the climax of week-long activities marking the 2014 Fathers’ Day celebration at the church that started on Monday, June 16.
The theme of this year’s celebration was ‘Preparing men for the King’s return’.
Members defied the early morning torrential rain and headed for the large church auditorium which was colourfully decorated.
The service started at about 9am with a glamorous procession by the fathers, after which they took the father’s anthem; a creed that represents core values of fatherhood.
In their pledge, they promised to “refrain from committing any known sin, live in obedience to God’s will, spend time each day in private prayers, be a diligent student of God’s word, confess Christ publicly, give liberally as God prospers them and, above all, do something definite for the Lord Jesus Christ”.
The thanksgiving service was in appreciation to God for giving fatherhood to humanity.
In his exhortation to the men, Kalu Akuma reminded members that Jesus, the expected King, is coming back to judge the living as well as the death, hence they who still have the opportunity should live an upright life.
“I want to remind you all that the long-awaited return of our Lord Jesus Christ is real; so our fathers have to be ready,” Akuma said.
Minister in Charge, Rev. Marvelous Kalu, also admonished the men to live a responsible life and, above all, to be role models for their children and the society at large.
The host pastor said: “I admonish you all to live life responsibly, be role models for your children, and do not create a no-father figure for your children. Live a life that will make our Lord Jesus Christ proud of you.”
Also speaking, President of Synod of the West, Men’s Christian Association (MCA), Joshua Okorie, said the celebration of Fathers’ Day is a season of deep reflection on how far they have fared in their vocation as fathers.
The occasion provided opportunity for reward of diligence and commitment to the ministry. Among those honoured were: Elder Udeagha Udeagha (Father of the Year, 2014), Ezeogo Igua (Excellence as a Builder), Frank Udemba and Elder Kalu Udeochu.
The occasion was rounded off with awardees feting members with assorted food and drinks.