What does it take to be a good dad?

To Daddy, with love 

First: on Sonia - Floral lace and ankara dress by Moofa- P.O.A - Green stone necklace - Ariaba- N15,000 - Gold rhinestone rings - Occasions and Events - N1,000 each - Green and gold wire ring - Ariába -N3,500 - Shoes- model’s own - Isillo Ice Watch - N20,000 - Starcomms My Pad – N76,000 On Martin - Brown embroided kaftan- Amba Bespoke Clothing- N50,000 - Blue jeans- N15,000 on Victor -Blue shirt, Denim shorts -Trainers, socks and ball ( all model’s own) -Isillo Ice Watch - N20,000 Photograph by: Hakeem Salaam Second:  Victor Okigbo, Technology Consultant, 1Sourceng, Champion Rubix Cube Solver Zina 6 years old. All clothing – model’s own Photograph by Folarin Shoshanya

“I believe that to be a good dad you need to have fun with your kids, spend time with them and try to impact in their lives by teaching them but also by being an example. Lots of love to them and also lots of love and respect to the mother so that they have an example in front of their eyes as to how to behave to others. A prescription of at least three generous doses of kissing and hugging daily will keep a lot of doctors away!!” Danny Kioupouroglou, Executive Assistant Manager, Eko Hotels Chloi Ekenimi 6 months old All clothing – models’ own Photograph by Folarin Shosanya

“Patience, empathy and understanding, along with constant, 2-way communication. I don’t know if I’m a good dad but I hope I’m at worst on my way to being one.” Ikhane Akhigbe, Creative Arts Entrepreneur and Lawyer Uduokhai 14, Esiemokhai 4. All clothing – models’ own Photograph by Folarin Shosanya

“A good father provides the financial needs of the child but a good dad provides the emotional and mental support a child requires. This makes a huge difference in the development of the child.” Taofick Okoya, Entrepreneur. Azeezah 8 and Zafar 4. All clothing - models’ own Starcomms My Pad – 76,000NGN Photograph by Folarin Shoshanya

“My little bit of parenting Zen: you’ve got to be present. At the back of my mind is the slightly terrifying thought that I have the responsibility of preparing this six year old person for full independent adult life. She’s my number one responsibility, and raising her is my great labour of love. I have to use every teaching opportunity that presents itself. I can’t help but feel a bit of a sense of urgency about it too because I know that the character moulding clock is ticking and that her values are forming and setting like concrete in the sun. Sometimes, being present means literally just being present. It’s very easy to do too much. The other day, one hour before her first public piano recital Zina, who’s usually bold and confident, got a serious case of stage-fright. She froze. I gave her a pep talk (you know… the one about rising to the occasion). Well, the pep talk didn’t come off and she grew more apprehensive. I ended up sitting there quietly holding her hand until she was introduced. When the time came, she strode up to the piano, took a deep breath and played like a virtuoso. I was stunned and impressed. She was so composed. I felt so proud of her. I understood then that she just needed to know that I was there. The pep talk was overkill. All she wanted was for me to quietly believe in her not to lecture her. I’m still learning how to spot moments like that in advance! Recognising that difference and acting on is part of what it takes.” Victor Okigbo, Technology Consultant, 1Sourceng, and Champion Rubix Cube Solver. Zina 6 years old. All clothing – models’ own Photograph by Folarin Shoshanya Starcomms My Pad – 76,000NGN

“It takes a lot of sacrifice and sense of responsibility. As parents we have the hard task of nurturing and guiding another life knowing that the price of failing in this responsibility is too grave to even consider. That’s why fatherhood requires 100% commitment.” Steve Babaeko, Advertising Executive, 141 Worldwide Louis Abayomi 6 years old. All clothing – models’ own Photograph by Yetunde Babaeko

“Time”. Bex Nwawude, Financial Advisor, CBO Partners Zikora 3. All clothing - models’ own Starcomms My Pad – 76,000NGN Photograph by Folarin Shosanya (curled from elan....)