Stakeholders Advocate Responsible Fatherhood at Launch of ‘Dingi Omo’ in Lagos

Stakeholders Advocate Responsible Fatherhood at Launch of ‘Dingi Omo‘ in Lagos

…commends Oluwatoyin Mathnuel’s initiative as author of ‘Dingi Omo’.

By Naomi Onome

Stakeholders from the media, academia, religious community and public sector on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, converged at the NERDC Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, for the official launch of ‘Dingi Omo’, a book authored by Mrs Oluwatoyin Mathnuel, Editor-in-Chief of Insight Global News.

The book, which centres on fatherhood, leadership, family values and responsible parenting, sparked extensive discussions on the importance of fathers in shaping the moral foundation of children and society.

Speakers at the launch described ‘Dingi Omo’ as a timely and thought-provoking contribution to ongoing conversations on parenting, leadership and societal development.

They stressed that responsible fatherhood goes beyond biological connection and must be rooted in sacrifice, emotional support, discipline, moral guidance and active involvement in the upbringing of children.

According to reviewers of the book ‘Dingi Omo’, the growing rate of social vices, indiscipline and moral decline among young people can largely be linked to the absence of responsible father figures and the erosion of family values in society.

In his remarks, Professor Olusesan Oniyide described Dingi Omo as “one of the most profound books” he had encountered in recent times, noting that fatherhood reflects leadership and that children are often reflections of their fathers. He praised the author for changing societal narratives that overly celebrate motherhood while neglecting the sacrifices and impact of fathers.

Prince Adelekan Adegbenro urged young people and students to read the book, saying it contains lessons capable of positively influencing society. He emphasised that true fatherhood is defined by responsibility and active involvement in children’s upbringing rather than mere biological connection.

Also speaking, Mrs Jumoke Johnson described fathers as the “silent backbone” of many homes and called for greater recognition of responsible fatherhood. She urged fathers to build stronger emotional bonds with their children despite work and financial pressures, adding that men who fail to shoulder their responsibilities should not be regarded as true fathers.

Mrs Ojelabi, who represented Prophet Ayodele, shared emotional personal experiences as a single mother who raised her children through hardship, stressing the importance of sacrifice, education and parental commitment. She noted that many women now play dual roles as both father and mother in raising children.

Representing LASTMA General Manager Mr Bakare Oki, Professor Kolawole highlighted the agency’s role in societal development and drew parallels between the concept of Dingi Omo and responsible public service. He said LASTMA has become a model traffic management agency in Nigeria and across West Africa through discipline, resilience and service delivery.

The event drew prominent personalities from different sectors, including Professor Olusesan Oniyide, who represented the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries; Professor Kolawole, Director of Logistics and Transportation, representing the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Bakare Oki; Mrs Ojelabi, representing Prophet Ayodele; Prince Adelekan Adegbenro, Senior Lecturer in Mass Communication and Station Manager of Mainland FM; as well as the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs Jumoke Johnson.

Guests at the gathering commended the author for bringing attention to the often-overlooked sacrifices and responsibilities of fathers in nation-building and family development.

The event also featured goodwill messages from family members, journalists and guests, who commended Mrs Mathnuel for using literature to promote responsible parenting and positive societal values.