Ibadan-born former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju has said that he has no regrets having female children.
This is just as he said that though “I would have loved to have a mixture of both sexes. Nevertheless, I have no regrets. I am extremely proud of my girls, I love them dearly. I am happy to be their father.”
He described fatherhood as “a responsibility that comes with great joy. When a man becomes a father, he is expected to be a role model to his child. Seeing my children makes me feel great. They are a bundle of joy. I feel glad that I brought them into the world. Children are a blessing from God.”
On how she feels that her eldest daughter is now an adult, he said that ”I feel glad. Whenever I travel and we both get talking, I tease her about her formative years. I still remember how she used to behave. She was quite stubborn. She loved to play; many times you would find her jumping on the couches in the living room. She was an active child. But over the years, as she became mature, she became quiet. She has grown into a beautiful, mature and responsible lady. She just completed her university education. I am proud she is a graduate.”
“I always tell her that I’m a man and so I know better. I tell her that she should be careful about the decisions she makes. I also tell her that she should make decisions that would make her happy. As her father, I’m more concerned about what makes her happy. I tell her that it is important one is happy in one’s marriage. My prayer for her is to have a happy home.”
He said that he would not force his daughter to marry any person, adding that “It all depends on what she wants. I can’t dictate to her. If that would make her happy, I’m in favour of it.”
He went further: ”My father had an easy-going personality and he was humble. I imbibed these qualities from him. I try as much as possible to ensure my kids are brought up to be like me. I grew up seeing my father as a role model and this has shaped me into being a role model to my daughters. I never saw my parents argue or fight. I ensure my wife and I settle any misunderstanding behind closed doors. A father must show good example to his children. Children must see love between their parents because without love, there cannot be a marriage. Without love, children will think it is the best way to live. The role of a father or a parent is very great.”
He explained that he does not spank his children whenever they err, noting that “I remember when my girls were quite young; I used to spank them whenever they misbehaved. But as they grew older, I hardly spanked them. I think it is because my wife and I worked together in ensuring that we raise kids with a godly attitude. I am proud to say that my kids are well behaved. There are times when I get strict with them, but spanking has never been my favourite way of disciplining them. Instead of spanking them, I would deprive them of something they like or prevent them from going somewhere.”
He revealed that he and the wife don’t have different views on how their children should be raised. “No, we don’t have different views. I have been very lucky in the sense that my wife and I understand each other to a large extent. We started as friends so the bond of friendship has kept the marriage going. Whenever my wife makes a decision that concerns any of our kids, I support her and vice-versa. We raised our kids with love.
“I am quite familiar with my kids’ personalities. My first child is gentle, intelligent and strong-willed. She can’t be easily swayed. My second daughter is good at sports and she is also strong-willed. She had always loved to play basketball. I am glad she is living her dreams. Academically, she is sound. She has a lively personality. My third daughter is calm and shy. She is like me. We don’t like to be troubled. My last daughter who is 14-year-old has a bit of my wife’s personality and mine. She also plays basketball. Sometimes, I get baffled at how she reacts to situations.”
Culled from The PUNCH
