Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Sunday joined fathers to celebrate Father’s Day and commended men who continue to raise their children with discipline, faith, responsibility and strong moral values.

The governor, in a message delivered through his chief press secretary, Patrick Ebojele, in Benin, urged fathers to take a more active role in shaping the lives of their children and wards.

He said protecting children from crime, negative peer influence and moral decline would help add value to society.

Mr Okpebholo described fatherhood as one of the greatest responsibilities entrusted to men, noting that the strength and future of society depended largely on the values established within families.

According to him, every father who wakes up every day, works hard, sacrifices for his family, and raises his children in the fear of God deserves to be celebrated.

“Your efforts, love and commitment are recognised and appreciated.

“Be more deliberate in your responsibilities as leaders of your various homes, pay closer attention to the activities of your children and wards, friendships and decisions while providing proper guidance,” he said.

He advised parents to counsel their children against the dangers of cultism, kidnapping, internet fraud and other criminal activities, warning that the consequences of crime often affected the entire families.

“We have seen families lose their peace, property destroyed, and the future of young people ruined because of involvement in criminal activities,” he said.

According to the governor, many of these situations could have been prevented through early guidance and proper parental supervision.

He said the Edo State government had intensified efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes through improved security measures and the establishment of special courts for the speedy prosecution of offenders.

He warned that anyone involved in criminal activities would face the full wrath of the law, adding that the era of impunity is over.

“No father should have to watch his child lose his future because of crime.

“This is why parents must remain involved, provide direction and help their children make the right choices,” he said.

 (NAN)