04/08/2025
A father’s love is measured not by wealth, but by his presence and dedication to his child’s growth. I was blessed to have a father who stood by me every step of the way — from my first day at school to my university graduation, and even until I became a father myself. He was there to buy me “my first copybook,” teach me to read and write, and ensure I never lacked textbooks or school fees. We weren’t rich, but he understood something far more valuable: the power of a father’s belief in his child.
What set him apart was how he motivated us. With ten children to feed, his rule was simple: Ace your exams, and a chicken would be killed in your honor. It wasn’t just about the meal — it was about recognition, celebration, and the unspoken promise that hard work would always be rewarded. Competition thrived among us siblings, but luckily for him, we never all aced our grades at once like he will have to kill ten fowls at a go, hihihi! For me, those moments — being celebrated by the man I admired most — were everything. They pushed me to excel, semester after semester, until I graduated with first-class honors in Business Administration. Even from afar, his words rang in my ears: “Every semester you earn first class, I’ll kill a chicken for you.” And true to his word, he did.
Now, I understand the depth of his wisdom. That chicken wasn’t just food — it was a symbol of pride, discipline, and unconditional love. Today, I can afford any meal I desire, but nothing tastes as fulfilling as those victories celebrated in my father’s name. Now, I pass on the same legacy to my children, because some lessons — like the love behind a simple chicken dinner — are worth preserving forever.
Thank you, Dad, for pushing me to become my best self.
By: Danstand Atubga Abugre
A father’s love is measured not by wealth, but by his presence and dedication to his child’s growth. I was blessed to have a father who…
