ACCOMPLISH MAGAZINE APRIL 2024

FEATURE / ANALYSIS
Accomplish Magazine:
What are the main economic
challenges facing families in the
South-South zone, and how are they
managing to overcome them?
Mrs. Oberhirhi Okogun:
There are high unemployment rates, low
wages, a lack of access to basic
amenities, and much more. But, many
families came together to provide
financial assistance, share resources,
and offer emotional support during
tough times. This sense of communal
unity and cooperation has been
instrumental in alleviating the economic
burdens faced in the zone to some
extent.
Accomplish Magazine:
What measures have been
introduced to alleviate the economic
burden on families in the South-
South zone, and how effective have
they been?
Mrs. Oberhirhi Okogun:
It is very obvious that the South-South
zone is a major hub for the oil and gas
industry in Nigeria. The government has
introduced measures to ensure that the
region benefits, somewhat, from the
revenue generated from the oil and gas
sector, through the implementation of
policies such as the Niger Delta
Development Commission (NDDC) and
the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
These programmes aim to address the
socio-economic and environmental
challenges facing the region and
empower the people through skills
acquisition and human capital
development. If executed well, they will
be effective investments in roads,
electricity, and other critical
infrastructure that is essential for
economic development.
Mrs. Oberhirhi Okogun
Mrs. Omolara Adebiji
Accomplish Magazine:
How are families in the South West
zone being impacted by the
economic situation in terms of
education and health care
accessibility?
Mrs. Omolara Adebiji:
The increase in school fees and
related expenses has made it difficult
for many families to enroll their
children in schools. Moreover, the cost
of educational materials and
textbooks has also risen, placing a
heavy financial burden on parents. As
a result, many children from lowincome
families are being forced to
drop out of school or are receiving
substandard education.
Many families are unable to afford
basic medical care and essential
medications and many preventable
illnesses are often left untreated,
leading to increased health risks for
children and their families.
Accomplish Magazine:
How has the economic situation in
the South West zone impacted
families in terms of social welfare
and support systems?
Mrs. Omolara Adebiji:
One of the major impacts of the
economic situation is the strain it has
placed on families' ability to get basic
needs. High unemployment rates,
inflation, and a lack of access to
affordable housing have led to many
families struggling to make ends
meet. This has resulted in increased
stress and anxiety within households,
as parents struggle with the pressure
of providing for their children in an
increasingly difficult economic
climate.
Conclusion
From the views of the women
interviewed, it is clear that Nigeria's
struggling economy is having a
frustrating impact on families
across the six geopolitical zones.
The economic challenges have led
to increased poverty, limited access
to basic services, and heightened
financial stress. The federal, state
and local governments must
intentionally prioritise economic
development and diversification to
alleviate the burden on families and
create opportunities for a truly
brighter future.
TOLULOPE AKINRULI
AUTHOR’S BIO
My love to impact knowledge
to the young and old led me to
research and writing. Also, l
have been business-oriented,
right from childhood, which
made me focus more on driving
the business world and also to
help people grow their business.
As a writer, I aim to create an
insightful image in the minds
of every reader for maximum
wealth and health.
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