Words By – Rita Okoye

Today is Fathers Day, a day set aside to honour fathers and father-figures in our lives. Dotting the Nigerian entertainment industry are fathers who are famous, and who never shy away from doting on their children.

Although these men are generally better known for their contributions to TV, film, music, and more but they take their fatherhood roles seriously. We spoke with some of these celebrities who shared with us, how they feel about their fathers, and the part they played on their journey to fame.

My dad is a Mini god – Femi Adebayo

How would you best describe your father?
He is my best friend, my mini god. He is my confidant, my colleague, my boss and my leader. Whenever I hear any discussion about my father, I am always excited. It gives me joy. I love him so much.

What are the fond, unforgettable memories you guys shared?
We both are actors, so once, we were on the same set where I had to slap him. He made some funny comments about a child slapping his father, it was very funny. Then, I also remember when this thing was trending, sho mo age mi ni by Jigan. My dad and I, jumped on a skit and it trended so well. In the skit, I was asking my father, sho mo age mi?

Whats the best advise he ever gave you?
He taught me that I should not expect anything from anybody. He said that I should lower my expectations and if I dont, it will bring about disappointment and disappointment kills your morale. I think I trained myself not to expect anything from anybody. So, if anybody does anything good or fantastic to me, I see it as a surprise and I appreciate it more, so, Im not disappointed in most ways.
Being human, you will be disappointed in some areas but when I remember what daddy told me about expectations and disappointment, I quickly get out of it.

Would you say he‘s instrumental to your career choice?
Yes, but indirectly. I had wanted to be a lawyer from the beginning and he supported me. I studied law. I even had my Masters degree in Law, but he would not force any of his children to join the entertainment industry. As a child, you would want to do what your parents do. My father is an actor, he’s popular. People wave at him when he goes out. So, I was like okay, I want to be popular like my father.

What would you like to change about him?
Honestly, I dont think theres anything I want to change about him. No, nothing, trust me.

Did you name any of your kids after him and why?
Yes, I gave one of my twins daddys oriki (alias). Daddy is Aremu so one of my twins is Aremu and I did that because I always want to remember daddy.

What would you like to say to him today?
I want to say Happy Fathers Day to the Worlds Best Dad. I pray that Almighty Allah continues to bless him. He has been seeing the good side of life, I pray he doesn’t see the bad side of life. May he continue to live in good health, and to continue to reap the good deeds he has sown. I love him so much. Daddy, enjoy today!.

My dad is a hero without ego – Bimbo Ademoye

How would you best describe your father?
A hero without an ego. If I could pause the whole world to celebrate my dad, I most definitely will. He is my super hero. My very own Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, all-in- one.

What are the fond, unforgettable memories you both shared?
I remember when I was a kid and my friends would tell me how they’d run into their rooms whenever their daddy got back from work and turn off the TV; I couldn’t relate because I always stayed by the window with my siblings to check if my daddys car was coming from the junction so we could jump on him and hug him. Some time last month, I had a challenge and was stuck. I called my dad and he, immediately, left everything he was doing to help sort it out. He called back and asked if all was well and I said I’m perfectly fine daddy. He responded saying ok let me still be on standby incase you need me again.

Whats the best lessons or advice you got from him?
My father taught me how to love without conditions and how to give without expecting. He wouldn’t stop ringing that in. When you give and a megaphone follows, it becomes an advert so, give in silence.
In my next life, poor or rich, Id still want to be his child.

Would you say he’s instrumental to your career choice?
He fully supported my career. He even took me to my first audition. I mean, my dad raised me alone as he was a single father; so, his was the only opinion that mattered. He was in full support of my choice of career.

What would you like to change about him?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing! I mean who has four kids and adopts nine more? I could write a whole book about this Superman.

Would you name any of your kids after him?
Sure. I look forward to that.

What would you like to say to him today?
Thank you God for giving me my backbone, my biggest support system, my best friend, my daddy, all in one person. Id forever strive hard to make you proud. I love you so much Dada.

Pete Edochie Inspires Me – Yul Edochie
Pete Edochie is one of the pioneers of Nollywood, and his contributions to the growth and development of the industry cannot be overstated. His epic interpretation of the character Okonkwo in the famous film,
Things Fall Apart still endears fan to him.
His last child, Yul Edochie, also an actor, who shares his fathers looks, tells us how his father inspires him.

How would you best describe your father?
He is a Legend. A Great man. A Great father. A Good man and lover of God.

What are the fond memories shared?
Till date we still share a lot of memories. I love to visit him and we talk. I learn a lot from listening to him.

Whats the best advise he ever gave you?
He advised me to study hard, work hard and make a good name for myself and everything I want, will come to me.

Would you say hes instrumental to your career choice?
Yes, my father is instrumental to my career choice. I grew up seeing him watch a lot of foreign movies. I saw him on screen playing Okonkwo in Things fall apart. So, he inspired me.

What would you like to change about him?
Theres nothing I would like to change about my father. Hes living his life exactly how God created him to live.

Did you name any of your kids after him and why?
I named one of my kids after him because I love my father so much.

What would you like to say to him today?
I would love to tell my father that I love him so much, and I want to thank him for all the sacrifices he made to see me become successful. I pray God gives him more life, good health and more happiness.

Zack Orji is a gifted, passionate man – Leonel Orji
Leonel Chukwuemeka Orji is the son of Nollywood veteran actor, Zack Orji. He is a fast-rising singer, songwriter, and recording artiste who has received numerous accolades, including the Top Naija Music Award for Best Sound Recording and Artiste to Watch.
The singer who bears a striking resemblance with his screen god father, Zack Orji, here, shares why he loves his father so much.

How would you best describe your father?
Gifted and passionate about what he does. Hes a good, great and well respected man; if he believes in something, he really goes for it and gives it his best.

What are the fond, unforgettable memories you guys shared?
The unforgettable memories I have with my dad are when he used to take me out to a lot of his movie sets when I was little, and him, creating the time to take me out to fun places as well.
Whats the best advice he ever gave you?
Always use your initiative, a word is enough for the wise.

Would you say hes instrumental to your career choice?
Well, not so much. What Im doing now, is ministering the gospel of Christ in every way possible that I can as God leads me. I do this mostly through music and the word, that was from my personal encounter with Christ Jesus. My father probably influenced me in arts and my creative work. I am also creative and a media personnel. Growing up in the entertainment environment, a lot of what he does definitely robbed off on me also; so, yeah.

What would you like to change about him?
Well, I dont think theres anything I would like to change about him, Im not God. People are unique and different in the way they are for a reason. It is my personal desire to see all men come to know Christ truly and follow Him. I dont think theres anything I would want to change about him.

Would you name any of your kids after him?
(Laughs) Sure! If Im led to and I agree with my future spouse, I can name one of my children after him.

What would you like to say to him today?
Happy Fathers day dad! May the Lord guide, keep and sustain you in Him always, may He grant you the grace, wisdom and strength to always be a good father, and may He order your steps always. You know I love you, God bless you.