By Bababunmi Agbebi
Edited by Ezennia Uche
In today’s fast-paced world where technology redefines how we connect, and many are chasing dreams far from home, one thing remains constant: the comfort of family.
In Nigeria, family goes beyond those who share our last name. It includes the auntie who raised us, the cousin who checks in every week, and the neighbour who treats us like blood. Whether we live in a bustling city like Lagos or a quiet village in Ekiti, family is the heartbeat of our existence.
From the moment we are born, family becomes our first classroom. It is where we learn trust, kindness, respect, and the value of hard work. Our parents, siblings, and guardians shape how we see the world — guiding our choices, molding our character, and standing by us when life tests our strength.
Even as times change, these values endure. Many Nigerian families still gather on Sundays after church or mosque, sharing food, laughter, and stories that bind generations together. In moments of celebration or crisis, the instinct to come together remains powerful.
The United Nations has long recognized that strong families are the foundation of healthy societies. Decades ago, it began promoting family-centered policies around the world, eventually setting aside May 15 as the International Day of Families. But the truth is, every day can be a day to celebrate family especially in here in Nigeria, where family ties often extend far beyond the walls of our homes.
Still, modern life brings new challenges. Urbanization, migration, and economic hardship test family bonds in ways our parents never imagined. Many parents now work long hours to make ends meet, while grandparents step in to care for children. Young people are moving farther away for opportunities, yet family WhatsApp groups and Sunday phone calls keep everyone connected.
As the UN Secretary-General once said:
“The family is a cornerstone of society. Strong, well-functioning families can help reduce poverty, improve health and well-being, and promote social cohesion.”
And as author Anthony Brandt beautifully put it, “Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.”
At the heart of it all, family remains that unbreakable circle of love and strength — growing with each new birth, deepening through every shared meal, and holding steady through storms. No matter how modern life becomes, the warmth of home — a mother’s call, a sibling’s laughter, or a father’s quiet guidance reminds us that we are never truly alone.
