Some Lagos residents have cautioned fathers against biting more than they can chew as they strive to meet the needs of their immediate and extended families in the face of economic challenges.
They gave the advice during separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
They said the plight of many men in the current economic situation was compounded by them succumbing to take more than they can handle.
Mr Seidu Momoh said even before the current not very pleasant economic situation in the nation, as a father, it had always been difficult providing for the family.
He acknowledged God had always helped him to meet most of his family’s needs are met.
He, however, said he had cut out luxuries and sourced for other streams of income to provide for his family.
Speaking on the impact of family pressure on fathers’ mental and physical health, Momoh said in spite of the harsh economy, many men engage in things they were not supposed to.
“I drive an SUV but I don’t take it out everyday because I know if I decide to fuel the car throughout the month, my house will suffer.
“So, that is why I drop my car and board bus like every other Nigerian. Before I used to enjoy myself; went to places; all those things have been cut out.
“I do things now in moderation and that is why I’ve been able to survive,” he said.
Mr Debo Adeshiyan, said men bore most of the financial burden in the home, including rent, school fees, feeding and taking care of extended family members.
He said the pressure of making ends meet had made many men fall into depression.
Adeshiyan urged the government to pay more attention to the welfare of the workers by offering a minimum wage that was commensurate with the costs of things in the market.
Mr Boma Joe-Jim urged fathers to be resilient to enable them cope with the challenges of the current realities.
“Now we’re hearing that a bag of beans is N250,000. Where will someone start?
“If, for instance, you used to buy one bag of rice now you have to share it because you want to get other things needed in the family,” he said.
He urged men to hold on to God and their beliefs to avoid being victims of pressure mounted on them by the society.
Speaking on the challenges fathers experience, Mrs Florence Eneonwuta, said she sympathized with them because many men could not withstand the level of pressure they have been exposed to in recent times.
She urged men, particularly fathers, to ask God for wisdom apply self-control when provoked by their family members. (NAN)