Fathers maintain an irreplaceable role in the family as both leaders and providers. Deeply embedded in this headship role is the amazing responsibility of establishing the vision and setting the tone for the family for generations. For the Nwoko family of Abiakana-Ika in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, the prayers and desires of patriarchs raised moral and educational standards that transitioned the family from pagan worship to Christianity, from limited access to education to a wealth of knowledge, and from poverty to prosperity. As the fundamental patriarch of and ultimate visionary for the family, Chief Thomas J. Nwoko valiantly committed to personal and financial sacrifices while maintaining his convictions to ensure that his seven children attained education and a higher quality of life despite manifold hardships.
The Nwokos rise to both providence and prominence as a family is vividly documented in this historical account of the life of Chief Nwoko. His principled lifestyle, unwavering faith, and patient love has given the next generation of Nwokos an incredible foundation to build on his vision of educational opportunity. The devotion of Chief Nwoko provides a reliable model for current and future families to recognize that raising a family starts with a Godly vision and purposeful determination.