The Pursuit of Happyness — A powerful depiction of a father’s resilience in the face of adversity
Every June, Nigerians celebrate Father’s Day—but are we truly supporting the men behind the title?
While cake-cutting and kind words fill the day, the deep-rooted challenges many Nigerian fathers face remain invisible. In a society where men are expected to be unshakeable providers and silent protectors, few stop to ask: What support do our fathers receive?
The Silent Burden of Fatherhood in Nigeria
Across communities in Nigeria, countless fathers carry heavy responsibilities. From long work hours to economic pressures and emotional sacrifices, many men strive silently to provide stability. Yet, their struggles are rarely acknowledged or addressed through structured support systems.
Mothers often receive praise—and rightly so—for their sacrifices. But the truth remains: fathers, too, are silently breaking under the weight of cultural expectations and a lack of support infrastructure.
CSR and the Neglect of Father-Focused Initiatives
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts in Nigeria have championed women’s empowerment, girl-child education, and maternal health. These are vital causes. However, one group remains consistently overlooked—fathers.
Why are there so few CSR programs that cater to men’s mental health, financial literacy for fathers, or mentorship for young dads? The absence is glaring.
Fatherhood in Film: A Mirror to Society
To understand the emotional weight fathers bear, let’s turn to storytelling.
In Nollywood’s “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free“, the character Nnamdi is consumed by societal pressure to succeed. His pursuit of wealth leads him down a dangerous path. This fictional tale reflects real-life situations where men, desperate to meet expectations, make devastating choices.
Similarly, Hollywood’s “The Pursuit of Happyness” brings to life the story of Chris Gardner, a single father struggling with homelessness while raising a son. His journey is inspiring, but it also underscores the emotional and physical toll that society often expects fathers to endure in silence.
These stories speak to a deeper issue: fathers are expected to carry burdens alone.
What Can CSR in Nigeria Do to Support Fathers?
It’s time for organisations, NGOs, and the private sector to rethink CSR strategies. Supporting fathers isn’t just a gender issue—it’s a social development strategy.
Here’s how Corporate Social Responsibility can transform lives:
- Mental Health Support for Fathers: Fund programs that provide counselling and mental wellness resources tailored to men, especially those in underserved communities.
- Paternity Leave Policies: Promote family-inclusive work environments by advocating for paid paternity leave in Nigeria.
- Financial Literacy Programs: Equip fathers with tools to manage household finances, avoid debt, and plan for their children’s futures.
- Fatherhood Mentorship Platforms: Create safe spaces for young men to learn from older fathers and navigate the challenges of parenting in today’s Nigeria.
Fathers Are More Than Providers—They’re Nation Builders
If we only see fathers as income earners, we miss the essence of their role in nation-building. Fathers are nurturers. They are moral compasses. They are the emotional anchors of many Nigerian homes. When they are unsupported, entire families—and societies—suffer.
This Father’s Day, CSR Must Lead the Way
CSR in Nigeria has the power to rewrite the narrative. Let this Father’s Day mark a turning point. Let companies, nonprofits, and policymakers:
- Raise awareness about the mental and emotional needs of fathers.
- Invest in programs that empower and uplift men.
- Challenge societal expectations that force fathers to suffer in silence.
When we support fathers, we don’t just celebrate them—we build stronger families, more resilient communities, and a better Nigeria.