‘Women aren’t your subordinates’ — Osinbajo tells young men on father’s day

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has called on young men to be mindful of the fact that women are not subordinates by equal partners in society.  

Speaking after a special Father’s Day service at the Aso Villa Chapel, Abuja, Osinbajo said the responsibility of fatherhood in families and society is very crucial in setting good examples for future generations, as it would guide them in the right path to lead exemplary lives.

While noting that men should honour and love their wives, not just in families but in society, he said that it was equally important for them to teach young men to also honour and respect all women.

“Fathers, as you know, have very important role to play in any human society or setting,” the vice-president said.

“I think it was (former US) President Barack Obama who said that it’s not the ability to father a child, or the ability to have a child that makes you a father, it is the courage to raise one. That’s really what makes you a father.

“I think that the responsibility of fatherhood is absolutely immense, whether one is a biological father to children or one who wants to take care of other children.

“All of us have a role to play, not just in the lives of our children, but so many others; those who have no fathers, even some who have fathers; to whom we have a responsibility to set examples to lead exemplary lives. And to bring them up, as the scriptures says, in the way of the Lord.”

Speaking on the equality of men and women, Osinbajo said: “So, the responsibility of the father is incredible indeed. One of the most important things is to teach our young men growing up that they must honour women, not just their wives”.

“Of course, you must honour and love your wife, but I think it is also very important that we honour women. We shouldn’t treat them as subordinates; they are not.

“They are created equal to men. But most importantly, we must honour them and recognize their roles as partners, not just in families, but in society as well.”

Also present at the Father’s Day service at the Aso Villa Chapel were the Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation; Ovie Omo-Agege, deputy senate president; other senior government officials and private sector chieftains, including Cosmas Maduka, the president/CEO, Coscharis Group of Companies.