Femi Otedola and Pastor Paul Enenche have been named models of exemplary fatherhood, topping a list of 10 Nigerians honoured to mark the 2026 Fathers Day celebration. The recognition spotlights men praised for their family life.
The list was announced by Men of Valour, a Christian group based at the All Christian Gospel Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The group issued the statement on Sunday, June 21, as Nigeria joined the global Fathers Day observance.
Why Otedola tops the exemplary fatherhood list
Otedola, chairman of First HoldCo Plc, was placed first. The group commended him for backing his daughters’ unconventional paths in the creative arts rather than forcing corporate compliance.
It noted that the billionaire has openly supported children such as DJ Cuppy and Temi, while describing his daughters as his greatest investments. The group said his approach showed faith in his children’s own choices.
Otedola’s public encouragement of his daughters has often drawn attention in a society where wealthy parents are sometimes expected to steer their children into family businesses. The group cited that openness as a model worth celebrating.
Enenche celebrated for stable family life
Pastor Paul Enenche, senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre and a trained medical doctor, followed in second place. The group celebrated what it called his highly stable, exemplary marriage and family life.
Enenche was praised for actively raising four children alongside his wife. The group held up the couple as an example of partnership and consistency in parenting.
As the leader of one of Nigeria’s largest congregations, Enenche is a prominent public figure. The recognition framed his home life, rather than his pulpit, as the quality being honoured.
A broader message on fatherhood
Men of Valour said the honour roll was meant to encourage Nigerian fathers to invest time, presence and support in their children. The group argued that strong fatherhood shapes stronger families and communities.
The full list of 10 men, the group said, was chosen to reflect different walks of life, from business and ministry to other fields. Each, it said, demonstrated commitment to family in a way worth emulating.
Public response to the list
The recognition drew warm reactions on social media, where users debated what good fatherhood looks like in modern Nigeria. Many praised the focus on presence and support rather than wealth alone.
Others used the moment to celebrate their own fathers, sharing personal stories under the trending Fathers Day posts. The group said that wider conversation was exactly the point of publishing the list.
Fathers Day is not a public holiday in Nigeria, but it has grown into a popular occasion marked by churches, families and brands. Lists like this one have become a familiar feature of the celebration.
Honouring well-known figures, the group said, can model behaviour for younger fathers still finding their feet. It added that quiet, everyday fathers deserve the same praise even when they never make a public list.
The recognition arrived as families across Nigeria marked Fathers Day with tributes online and at home. By naming public figures, the group said it hoped to push the conversation about responsible fatherhood beyond a single celebration.
