Why you must make paternity test at birth a norm – Deyemi Okanlawon to men

Popular Nigerian actor Deyemi Okanlawon is not just a leading man on screen, but a proud father of three boys off-screen.

Okanlawon, a graduate of Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos, has garnered praise for his diverse acting skills.

Beyond the silver screen, however, he prioritizes his role as a dad.

In a recent interview, he addressed the rising issue of paternity fraud and reasons DNA tests should be conducted immediately after child delivery.

Sadly, some families’ happiness is shattered by this growing menace,” Okanlawon acknowledged.  “So, how can fathers protect themselves?”

The actor offered valuable advice: “Firstly, for both men and women, developing strong judgment is crucial. Don’t let beauty, marital status, finances, or physical attraction solely cloud your judgment when choosing a life partner. Furthermore, making paternity tests a standard procedure at birth, similar to birth certificates, would significantly safeguard families from accidental switched births or deliberate fraud. This could potentially avoid a lot of heartache.”

Reflecting on his own experiences as a father, Okanlawon recounted a particularly touching memory. “There are so many memories I have, but the one that comes to mind is when I was recently playing with my three boys. I looked at the two older boys fawning over their baby brother and felt a sense of joy and fulfilment,” he shared.

The Kesari Star actor also offered a prayer to God, seeking guidance to overcome his flaws and be a great father. “I prayed to be a provider, protector, and role model of good character and masculinity,” he added.