INTERVIEW: ‘The Question Is No Longer Are You Okay, but Have You Eaten?’ — Nigerian Mother Speaks on Economic Hardship

 By Victor Olubiye

As the cost of meeting basic needs continues to put pressure on Nigerian households, parents, teachers and students are finding different ways to cope with financial difficulties.

For some families, providing food, paying school fees and meeting other household expenses has become increasingly challenging. Yet, beyond the struggles, some Nigerians are advocating budgeting, additional sources of income, contentment and community support as practical ways to navigate difficult times.

In this interview with The Creativity Site, Mrs Awe Dupe Adebola, a mother of three and school proprietress, shares her experiences of the economic situation, the importance of teaching children financial responsibility and why love and generosity remain essential in difficult times.

The Creativity Site: How has the current economic situation affected your ability to provide for your family?

Mrs Awe Dupe Adebola: The more we work, the less we get. Expenses are higher than income. We cannot eat three square meals anymore because of inflation in the prices of goods in the market.

With everything one is facing in Nigeria, I give glory to Almighty God, who has given me the privilege to provide for my children, because He is our great provider.

What practical measures can parents adopt to manage household expenses, reduce waste, increase income and teach their children to handle money responsibly?

Mrs Awe: We should have more sources of income and not depend on just one source. Things bought for the household should be reduced, and it is not compulsory for food to be excessive or more than enough, as long as one has eaten.

In ancient times, people asked, “My child, are you okay?” But in Nigeria today, the question is no longer, “Are you okay?” It is, “Have you eaten?”

When a child is given money, it should be divided into five parts: tithe and offering, investment, savings, giving and spending. Parents should inculcate these habits in their children and lead by example.

Beyond waiting for government intervention, what can families and communities do to support one another during difficult times?

Mrs Awe: We should help one another and support people in our communities. We should give to people who lack basic necessities at least once or twice a month. Through this, our communities can improve.

If love exists among everybody, there will be broader changes that can make life more affordable. Once there is love among everybody, even the government will feel empathy for the people.

Whatever is in our hands to do or give to people, let us do so. Through all these, especially love, life will become more comfortable.

Other Nigerians Share Their Experiences

Mrs Oluwatoyosi Abolade, a mother of two, said the rising cost of food, transportation, school fees, electricity and other basic necessities had made providing for her family more difficult.

She explained that she sometimes had to postpone expenses and conceal her financial worries to prevent her children from becoming anxious.

According to her, parents can cope by preparing monthly budgets, prioritising essential needs, comparing prices, reducing waste and exploring additional sources of income.

She also recommended community support funds, cooperative groups, food-sharing initiatives and support for small businesses as ways families can help one another.

For teachers, the challenges are also significant.

Mrs Odukoya Temitope, a school Head of Department, said the economic situation had affected her ability to meet her daily needs.

“I am not able to meet my daily needs, but I thank God that I don't look like my problem. I am trying to cope,” she said.

She encouraged teachers to explore additional income-generating activities alongside teaching. She also called for contentment and urged employers to treat their workers with kindness.

She said government should provide more employment opportunities, improve security and ensure access to good healthcare facilities.

Students also described how financial difficulties affect their education.

Awe Deborah Oluwanifemi, a 100-level student of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), said the cost of textbooks and other academic materials could put pressure on students and their parents.

She recalled a lecturer telling students during orientation that financial background would not exempt them from academic requirements, warning that failure to meet course requirements could result in a carryover.

Deborah recommended that students support one another, join associations that can represent their interests and consider part-time jobs that would not interfere with their studies.

Another student, Jimoh Habeeb, who attends a WASSCE tutorial centre, disclosed that financial difficulties had forced him to leave school while in Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).

He called for unity and mutual assistance among Nigerians, arguing that people could make progress by helping one another without selfishness or betrayal.

Meanwhile, Gafar Balikis, an assistant head girl in SS2, recommended graphic design, tutoring and other suitable income-generating activities that students could undertake without neglecting their education.

She also encouraged students to learn budgeting and plan for their future.

Conclusion

The experiences shared by these Nigerians show that economic hardship affects people differently, from parents struggling to provide for their families to students working to continue their education and teachers seeking ways to meet their daily needs.

While respondents highlighted budgeting, additional income, savings and community assistance as practical coping measures, their accounts also point to the need for broader support through employment opportunities, affordable basic necessities and improved public services.

Their message is that Nigerians can take practical steps to support themselves and one another, even as they continue to seek solutions to the wider economic challenges facing the country.