The Brand Director of the foremost creative business and social brand promoter, PENGlobal, and Chief Executive Officer of PENGlobal Associates Limited (PAL), Mr. Abai Francis, has opened up on his once earliest decision not to father any children during his lifetime.

The Brand Director, who took his family on a sit-out in celebration of his birth anniversary, made the disclosure in Warri, Delta State, on Thursday, September 19, 2024, precisely a week after his 10th marriage anniversary.

"It may be surprising to many people to hear this, but at one point in time, I had resolved not to have any children in my life," he said as he hanged out with his family in one of the popular eateries in Warri.

"My decision then was influenced by how I felt. Having grown up and went through a lot of ordeals, I concluded then that the negativities, or call it challenges in life, were far greater or outweigh the positive aspects of living. I just could not bear the thoughts of bringing them into such an imperfect world.

"It seemed like everywhere I turn, evil and all sorts of wickedness stare me in the face. And worst of all, seeing how people get traumatised in loosing their loved ones really got to me. And so, I was sort of scared to raise up children in such a world that is full of chaos," he revealed.

The Brand Director, married to his wife Mrs Happiness Omozuwa Abai, is currently blessed with a boy and two girls. So, what changed his earlier disposition?

"Well, I prayed about it and sought God's wisdom. I think I realized that I shouldn't play God as it's not in my place to make such a decision or even call the shots. It would seem like interfering in the natural order in the scheme of things.

"Also, a different outlook on things made me realize that being human comes with responsibilities. God placed us here to glorify His name by choosing to make a difference through good works, not bad works; that whatever we see and feel that is not right, we have a duty to correct. And so, running away from the ills of life by avoiding them is never the right way to address them. Being alive is also being responsible," he added.

The Brand Director, who turned 48, however, noted that despite the negativities experienced in life, God is still using people to shine a light in a world that appears to be overtaken buy darkness, just as he called on parents to be more responsible in raising up their children.

"Despite darkness, one fact is certain, light is more powerful and will shine at the end of the day. God is still using people to raise hopes. Like in where I'm from, Gbaramatu Kingdom, the likes of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) is one of such. In the global world there are the Jamsetji Tata, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, George Soros, Azem Premji, Mackenzie Scott among others.

"Today, I'm marking my 48th Birthday. When a child is born, people celebrate the child and congratulate the parents of that child. But fast forward, say 25 to 30 years later, even less, that same child ends up a bandit, armed robber, rapist, arsonist, murderer, extortionist, duper, and what other negative identities have you. I don't think that's what people celebrated in that child when he/she was born.

“The lack of inculcating and raising up children devoid of good morals by parents is contributing more to societal's challenges today. Some parents are grossly irresponsible. I know there are other external influences out there in the world, but if the foundation of bringing up children is right, it would be very difficult for them to derail. So, I still believe that, besides giving birth to children, parents have a greater responsibility in shaping this life for good.”

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