Father’s Day: 6 types of fathers that exist in every Nigerian home

It’s that time of the year when we honour the father figures in our lives for their love, devotion; and for the average Nigerian child, discipline – because if discipline wasn’t your father’s watchword when growing up, are you even Nigerian?

Borrowing a leaf from some of our favourite shows on Showmax, here are six types of fathers that exist in every Nigerian home.

1. The protective father

Much like Joel from The Last of Us, this Nigerian father will go to the ends of the earth to provide for and protect their wards. While Joel was not Ellie’s biological father, he looked out for her as a father would even at the risk of his own life, and that’s exactly what this special breed of men do. Oftentimes, they stand as father figures for their wards, providing and protecting. Even at great personal inconvenience, they come through like banderderdang!

2. The overachiever father

We’re all familiar with this Nigerian father. This is the one who asks: “Does the person who came first have two heads?” every time their child doesn’t take the first position in the school term. As far as they’re concerned, it’s first position or nothing.

In the movie King Richard, we see how Richard Williams pushes Venus and Serena to become the most successful siblings in tennis. While there is some strain on the road to success, just like Richard, this Nigerian father simply wants their child to be the best version of themselves.

3. The religious father

For this Nigerian father, prayer is the key. Every day starts with a prayer for him, and there’s a quote from the Holy Book for every situation, just ask Eli and Jesse Gemstone from The Righteous Gemstones.

4. The cool dad

For Tony Adeleke from Wura, no topic is off-limits to discuss with his children, including sex. Just like Tony, this Nigerian dad is the ultimate cool dad and the envy of his children’s friends because of how laid-back and chill he is. We stan a fun, approachable father.

5. The ‘aka gum’ father

Nothing gets by these ones especially when it comes to money matters. These are the fathers you don’t dream of scamming because they’ll be onto you from the jump, and God help you if you’re caught. But just like Lucky Johnson from The Johnsons, beneath their tight-fistedness lie men who are genuinely fond of their children, and are simply protecting them the only way they know how to.

6. The tough love father

No one does tough love better than a Nigerian father, save for possibly Succession’s Logan Roy who takes things to a whole new level. Just like Logan, this Nigerian father is not big on affection and certainly doesn’t suffer fools gladly. He’s known for his brash words, unyielding stance, and no-nonsense disposition. He also wastes no time in knocking some sense into an erring child.

However, despite his seeming coldness, family is extremely important to this father, and beneath his gruff exterior lies a man who has made a lot of sacrifices for his children.