Aniebonam Describes Fatherhood as Silent Burden, Calls for Greater Appreciation of Fathers

 

Founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr Boniface Aniebonam, has described fatherhood as a role often marked by silent struggles, emotional burdens, and unspoken sacrifices, calling for greater recognition and support for men within the family structure.

Dr Aniebonam, who is also the Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), made the remarks in a statement titled “The Burden of Being a Responsible Father,” issued on Monday in Lagos, in reflection of the 2026 Father’s Day celebration held on June 21.

He said many fathers endure psychological and emotional stress while striving to provide for their families, noting that such challenges are often hidden from spouses and children in order to protect them from hardship.

“When a father goes out daily in search of bread for his household, he sustains many mental injuries he does not discuss with his family,” he said.

According to him, fathers often return home to additional pressure and expectations despite the difficulties they face in workplaces and society. He said many men continue to struggle under criticism, financial pressure, and responsibility without adequate emotional support.

“The insults from his boss, the embarrassment from his customers, the harassment from his superiors, yet he can’t quit,” he added.

Dr Aniebonam further stated that many fathers carry heavy emotional and financial burdens silently, with some experiencing deep personal guilt due to difficult decisions taken in the course of providing for their families.

“Some men have secretly dipped their hands in so many things they cannot discuss with their families. Some have stolen, embezzled and borrowed so much that they live in inexpressible guilt every day,” he said.

He likened the unseen struggles of fathers to an adage that suggests hidden suffering, noting that outward appearances of success often mask deep internal stress.

“Goat sweats but its hair does not let people see its sweat,” he said, adding that many fathers endure hardship unnoticed despite outward signs of stability.

Dr Aniebonam also said fathers are often underappreciated in society, despite their central role in sustaining families, describing them as “unsung heroes” who carry emotional burdens similar to pregnancy but in different form.

“A real father can take anything just to keep food on the table for his household,” he said, stressing that many men suffer internally when they are unable to meet family needs.

He urged families and society to show greater understanding, emotional support, and appreciation for fathers, adding that such recognition would strengthen family stability and improve wellbeing.

Dr Aniebonam concluded by wishing fathers in Nigeria and around the world a happy Father’s Day, while calling for sustained respect and empathy toward their role in society.