As Nigeria grapples with biting economic hardship, a quieter crisis is unfolding- the pressure to provide for family has become a crushing weight for many men.

The fight to repress this pressure, especially in a society that prioritizes issues affecting women and children, has driven some men into depression.

In Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, a 45-year-old father of two who said he has fallen into depression as a result of his incapacity to provide adequately for his family, narrates his struggle to DAILY POST.

Every day, Idris (not his real name), who lives in the Ijeja area of the state, treks to his place of work in an attempt to manage his N16,000 salary.

With his hand on his chin, Idris, clothed in a faded dark blue shirt, said he works as a gate man at a well-known beer parlour along Onikoko, Panseke Road.

“Since I only make N16,000 a month working as a gate man, I trek to work every day in order to manage my salary, the cost of transportation is now high.

“I was previously earning N13,000, but as the prices of things got higher, my salary was increased to N16,000,” he said.

Shaking his head in self-pity, Idris said that despite his efforts, he sees himself as a failed man who cannot provide for his family.

“They do not pay me in cash; I am always given a cheque; I would have to go to the bank to cash the money. My wife does not work, so I must do everything to take care of my family,” he told DAILY POST.

Also, a middle-aged single father of two simply identified as Fred said, “I feel like I’m going crazy, especially when the money at hand isn’t enough to meet the basic necessities”.

He asserted that, like him, many men are falling sick every day, but rather than visit the hospital, they concentrate on taking care of their families.

“This hardship affects my reasoning, thinking and emotions. Sometimes it looks like I’m running mad when I start calculating all the things I want to do, especially when I know that what I have at hand cannot even take care of my needs.

Men Don’t Cry, Yet Dying In Silence

Men have a duty to provide for the family, and amid the toiling they are often less inclined to express their emotions because men don’t cry, as the popular saying goes.

As family heads, men, while dealing with a lot of emotional difficulties, find it hard to express their feelings or ask for help so as not to be perceived as being weak or even lazy.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), over 6 million men suffer from depression annually. However, these cases are frequently underdiagnosed.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017 claimed that 7,079,815 Nigerians suffer from depression. Depression is a type of mental illness that is characterized by unhappiness and can lead to suicide.

Seven million Nigerians represent approximately 4 percent of the entire population, thus making Nigeria the most depressed country in Africa.

It has long been the norm for men to be strong, independent, and emotionally resilient, and this has left them with no choice but to bottle up emotions even when they need help.

It is also reported that men’s depression over family burden in Nigeria is a significant fraction of the global burden of diseases, accounting for 40% of the leading health conditions contributing to disability-adjusted life years (DALYS).

37-year-old Adesegun Akinsanya admitted that there is pressure to maintain a strong external look even while struggling internally.

“I’m a father of three. I have to provide for food, clothing and even transportation.

“I was brought up with the mentality that men are to shoulder the responsibilities, and that is a pressure I deal with every day,” he told DAILY POST.

Unlike the other men, Akinsanya has a wife who works, yet he expresses his fears.

“I am the head, and I don’t want her shouldering the responsibilities, although I want to change that mindset, but I cannot, that was what we were taught from infancy,” he said.

Fear of Judgment and Failure

Akinsanya pointed out that he has refrained from seeking assistance or talking about his struggles because of fear of being perceived as incompetent or a failure.

He admitted that the current economic hardship has added to the burden of men, yet, he wallows in silence and cannot speak out.

“Before now, my wife prepared a pot of soup with N5,000, but it’s different now; just two fishes would cost almost N4,000; even while cooking the gas would finish. I don’t know how to ask people for help, so I try to save the little I have and manage myself,” he said.

“I Shout On My Wife, Children When I’m Frustrated”

Akinsanya disclosed that when he is weighed down with the challenges of providing, he transfers the aggression to his wife.

“It’s an everyday pressure, and sometimes when I’m tired, I react angrily and shout at them when they ask for money,” he said.

Similarly, Fred revealed that while he gets irrational and upset over minor issues, he also distances himself from friends and families.

Fred said, “Sometimes for something that is not worth shouting on, I shout, I react irrationally sometimes to my friends, I get angry over little things that are not worth it, and when I get home and have a rethink, I start blaming myself and have to apologize the next day.

“Naturally, I don’t know how to beg, I carry my cross alone and at worst I distance myself from people, face my problems and once I get out of it, I start socializing with people again.”

Bottling Up Emotions Can Lead to Depression, Substance Abuse, Suicide – Psychiatrist

The Secretary General of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Dr Abayomi Olajide, said suppressed emotions might result in increased tension, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and even suicide.

Olajide asserted that silence is not a good coping strategy and can also lead to strained relationships with partners, family, and friends.

“The concept of men’s mental health is very broad, yes; it is often known that men don’t cry; they do not express their emotions; instead, they go about showing strength even when they are hurting.

“But it is not a good coping strategy, a problem shared is a problem solved. Internalizing some of these challenges often leads to anxiety problems, depression, and, for some, increased substance abuse.

“It could also affect their interpersonal relationship, and that can cause a lot of distress, psychosocial challenges, marital disharmony, social interactions can also be affected because they go about with tension,” he told DAILY POST.

Speak Out When You Feel Less Of Yourself – Psychologist

Mrs Damilola Onebamhoin, a counselling psychologist in Abeokuta, advised men to speak up when they feel inferior, warning that there is a connection between self-esteem and achievements to depression.

According to Onebamhoin, men must understand that asking for assistance and talking about their challenges is a show of strength and bravery rather than a sign of weakness.

The psychologist disclosed that talking to others about their worries might help reduce the burden, avoid mental health problems, and strengthen their relationships with loved ones.

She said, “Most people who have their goals outlined and they meet those goals or find fulfilment in doing something hardly fall into depression.

“An average person who feels lacking in one area or the other would want to feel depressed and it’s connected to our mental health. So when you begin to feel less of yourself then there is a problem.

“There’s something that connects your self-esteem and achievements to depression. Attaining a state of isolation and depression can lead to suicidal thoughts,” she added.

‘How Men Can Get Help’

Olajide advised men to first accept the fact that the economy is bad and things aren’t going as anticipated.

This, according to him, will enable them to realize the need to discuss the problems, get assistance when needed, and seek counsel.

The Consultant Psychiatrist who works at the Neuropsychiatrist Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, also recommended reminiscence therapy, explaining that they can recall memories of things they achieved in the past and dwell on them to encourage them.

He told DAILY POST that: “Support groups are also important in the society and community.

“Attending workshops or seminars- they must engage in problem-solving skills or use the knowledge of others to engage the problem and then move on with the solution.

“Yes, reminicious therapy, you can look back and think about what you’ve done in the past, the success you achieved, and rely on those things to encourage you.”

He emphasized that all men must keep in mind that they are not alone and that many others have faced and conquered similar difficulties.

‘The Society Have A Role To Play’

Olajide argued that society must learn to accept men as human beings, not superheroes who can do everything without having emotions.

He noted that rather than stigmatizing and discriminating against them, they should encourage them to talk about their struggles.

“Society should accept that men are human beings and are not superman. I think we need to change our ideology about men being superheroes who can do everything without having emotions.

“We need to begin to look at them as people with feelings and emotions, who can be hurt, disappointed, and can cry.

“Once society accepts that there is a little difference in the emotional component of men and women, it will give them that confidence to come out.

‘The Government Has a Role To Play’

Olajide urged all tiers of governments to do everything within their power to alleviate the challenging economic hardship facing the country.

According to him, they should provide chances for self-improvement, productivity, earning money, learning new skills, and other activities that are known to enhance men’s mental health.

The Consultant Psychiatrist, however, opined that they should also invest in sporting activities as this, among others, can help men deal with pressure and challenges.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says there is no plan to remove Mele Kyari, its group chief executive officer (GCEO).

A report had speculated that Kyari may not last in his post until the end of the year following a major shakeup at the organisation.

Speaking to Punch on November 15, Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s chief corporate communications officer, described the report as a baseless speculation.

“One might wonder if they were the ones who hired Mele Kyari, given their apparent insight into his career plans. Such baseless speculation is not only laughable but also a testament to the lengths some will go to craft immature narratives,” Soneye said.

“Let’s set the record straight: GCEO Mele Kyari is performing exceptionally, steering Nigeria’s energy sector toward unprecedented success.

“Under his leadership, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has transitioned from years of losses to declaring profits—a historic achievement.

“Just yesterday (Thursday), we reached a production milestone of 1.8 million barrels per day, a testament to his unwavering commitment.”

The Soneye said Kyari is focused on actualising President Bola Tinubu’s vision for progress and development in the energy sector, ensuring energy security for our nation.

“So, to address the rumour: it’s as credible as a mirage in the desert,” he added.

On November 13, the NNPC announced a major reshuffling in the leadership of the NNPC.

The national company appointed Adedapo Segun as its chief financial officer (CFO).

The company also named Udobong Ntia as the new executive vice-president (EVP) of its upstream operations.

Afrobeats superstar Wizkid has set a new streaming record with his latest single, Kese, which amassed over 1.5 million Spotify streams within 24 hours of its release.

This milestone surpasses the previous record held by Davido’s Awuke. The chart-topping track is a standout from Wizkid’s upcoming album Morayo and comes shortly after his recent hit, Piece of My Heart, featuring American singer Brent Faiyaz.

According to a recent report by Chart Data, Wizkid now holds the top two spots for the most-streamed songs in Nigeria on their debut day.

Kese takes the lead, while Piece of My Heart secures the runner-up position. Asake’s Grammy-nominated track MMS, from his album Lungu Boy and featuring Wizkid, follows in third place with 870,000 streams.

Wizkid’s previous release, Piece of My Heart, had earlier made history as the first Nigerian song to hit one million Spotify streams on its release day.

This achievement was later surpassed by Davido’s Awuke before Kese set a new record.

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Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has come forward with revelation about the intense backlash she faced while fighting for justice for the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad.

Speaking candidly on the ‘Glass House’ with AY, the actress revealed how her activism became the target of vicious online attacks and scandalous accusations that took a personal toll.

She disclosed that, instead of being applauded for her activism, she was relentlessly targeted, with critics accusing her of being responsible for his death.

According to her, she was also branded a clout chaser, with many claiming she was using the tragedy to gain attention.

Iyabo passionately declared that her fight for justice was driven by a genuine desire to honor Mohbad’s memory and hold those responsible accountable.

Ojo said;

“They were even insinuating that maybe I killed Mohbad. I wasn’t around when Mohbad died. I was not close to him. I didn’t really know him that much.

“My encounter with him was during One Africa music fest. For the few days that we were together, I just knew that he was a cool boy, had his own thing he was going through and doing his music.

“If I killed him, then why was I fighting for his body to be exhumed for autopsy? There was a time they said I was paid [for my activism in getting justice for Mohbad]. They also said I was looking for a political position.

“They even said I was using it for clout. There are so many things that have been said about me. But I am not bothered because that isn’t the case. All I did was just to help seek justice for the late singer.”

TUNE INTO HER WORDS IN THE CLIP BELOW

Award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has stated that he once directed a movie without understanding its storyline.

Kunle Afolayan stated this while narrating his work experience at the third edition of KAP Film & Television Academy’s Reel Circle. Kunle Afolayan who recently lost his mother narrated:

“I was asked to direct something I know nothing about. I tried to bail out but I was convinced that I could do it. But I knew I didn’t know what I was going to do. I didn’t understand the storyline. It is an installation film; even at the time, I did not know what the installation film was.

“I read the script and I did not understand it. I called Biodun Aleja (may his soul rest in peace). He read it and said, ‘This is crazy,’ and then a few other people. I spoke to the person who introduced me to the project that, ‘Can I meet with the producer? Maybe if she shares her vision, I would get it.’

“Then he flew me to London and we sat for like two hours and she was talking. She showed me her showreel and I knew there was a problem because the showreel didn’t make sense. It was a complete abstract installation; people just doing weird things and I am a narrative director. Then I called the link and said, ‘I am not doing this. I would not even know what to say.’

Speaking further, Kunle Afolayan revealed he didn’t turn down the director job despite not understanding the storyline because of the huge benefits the position came with. Kunle continued:

“But he was like, ‘You have to do it; they are paying you $40,000.’ But I was like, ‘Let us do an adaptation of a scene.’ But even with it, I didn’t know what to adapt. But because Biodun Aleja was there—he studied Performing Arts, so his literature is stronger—and I was like, ‘Look, we have to find a way. They are flying us to Miami and Chicago; we cannot turn that down.’

“They did this and we went, we filmed in like the oldest museum. I was the director and there were five trucks of equipment. It’s like someone throwing you into the ocean and asking you to start swimming.

“Up till now, I did not understand the story. There was no story. If I watch it again, I am like, ‘What was the story?’ But guess what? They flew me in business class to five countries to premiere the film in 2007.”

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers state command, says it has uncovered a new method adopted by oil thieves to convey their stolen crude oil from the creeks to other parts of the state.

Joachim Okafor, NSCDC Rivers commandant, on Friday, said the oil thieves had resorted to using rugged sports utility vehicles (SUVs) to evacuate stolen petroleum products.

“The NSCDC Rivers State command’s anti-vandal unit was on patrol at Etche borders in Etche local government area of the Rivers on sighting the patrol team, suspected illegal oil bunkers abandoned a Toyota Sequoia Jeep fully loaded with AGO popularly called Kpofire Diesel, and escaped into a nearby bush,” he said.

“The anti-vandal team also experienced a similar incident at Umungu community in Omuma local government area of the state when some suspected oil thieves took to their heels as they saw the men of NSCDC on patrol, for fear of arrest, they quickly jumped out of the two Sequoia Jeeps they were using to convene the adulterated products and ran into a close-by forest.”

 

Okafor said the suspects on the run would soon be apprehended, adding that the confiscated vehicles and petroleum products would be forfeited to the federal government.

The commandant assured that with the collaborative efforts of citizens, the command would not relent in securing critical national assets such as pipelines from vandals and crude oil thieves who are “enemies of the country”.

Okafor, therefore, warned oil thieves to engage in meaningful ventures, emphasising that the command would not spare anyone arrested.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ondo state governorship election, says he is willing to concede defeat if the poll is free and fair.

Speaking with journalists after casting his vote at polling unit 05, Igbo ward 4, Obenla in Ilaje LGA of the state, Aiyedatiwa said he would accept defeat if the election is not marred by fraud.

He said reports from his aides showed that the election has been largely peaceful in some other units of the state.

“If the outcome of the poll does not favour my party (APC), as long as we did not receive any report that it (poll) was fraudulent in any way. Why not? We will accept defeat,” he said.

“But if we notice any practices and non-compliance of the procedures. The only thing is to go to the tribunal to challenge that. By and large, if it goes that way, I will accept the outcome of the election.”

Earlier, Aiyedatiwa said he is poised to win the contest due to his track record in office.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a “transparent” conduct of the poll.

“For INEC, they have been transparent with the whole process. I went through the process myself. They are adhering to the (election) process,” he said.

He also praised security operatives for ensuring a peaceful exercise across the state.

Patrick Akpoguma, a 28-year-old suspected internet fraudster, has confessed to engaging in multiple types of fraud, including romance scams, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, and more. He revealed that his decision to embrace fraud stemmed from a desire to avoid traditional employment.

“I turned to fraud, didn’t want to work for salary,” Akpoguma stated during an interview at the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos. According to the suspect, his reluctance to work for a salary led him to turn to fraudulent activities three years ago, a decision that has since earned him over $500,000.

The suspect, a mechanical engineering graduate, claims to have used his ill-gotten wealth to purchase two properties—one in Lagos and another in Edo State—and a GLE Benz worth ₦100 million.

Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade confirmed that the investigation into Akpoguma began on 7th November 2024, following reports from residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, where the suspect resides. Akpoguma was found to be involved in a variety of scams, including impersonating high-profile individuals online to trick victims into providing loans via Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency transactions.

AIG Fayoade revealed that Akpoguma’s primary modus operandi involved posing as Colonel Matt Herbert, a U.S. Army officer on a peacekeeping mission in Iran, and Adam Taggart, a renowned cryptocurrency expert.

In addition, Akpoguma went to great lengths to make his impersonations more convincing, even creating a fake Instagram account under the name ‘Adam Taggart’ and purchasing a silicone face mask for $11,200 to mimic his target’s appearance.

In an unexpected development, Akpoguma offered a bribe to the police in a bid to avoid arrest. On 12th November 2024, he offered $100,000 (approximately ₦174 million), which was accepted and documented as evidence.

AIG Fayoade confirmed that the investigation is now complete and that Akpoguma will be arraigned in court. This case highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods used by internet fraudsters and the growing problem of financial crime in Nigeria.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Ondo governorship election, says he is poised to win the contest due to his record in office.

The incumbent governor voted at polling unit 05, Igbo ward 4, Obenla in Ilaje LGA.

Speaking to journalists after casting his vote, Aiyedatiwa commended security operatives for ensuring a peaceful exercise.

He said the election has been seamlessly executed across the state.

“I want to believe that victory will come my way. I have just cast my vote here in my unit 05 Ilaje LGA of Ondo state,” Aiyedatiwa said.

“Here in my unit, the community has been calm and peaceful, and the turnout is very encouraging and I want to believe that the same situation will be at the other locations across the state.

“It’s peaceful here, I believe it should be peaceful in other locations.

“I want to commend the security agencies, police, civil defence, military, they have heavily deployed to be able to attend to any security threat.

“Ondo state has been adjudged to be one of the most safe and peaceful states in Nigeria and we have been having our elections in a peaceful environment and this very one will not be different.

“The citizens, they are law abiding. They know what they want and who they want. I believe the election will be very, very peaceful, credible.

“I went through the whole process of accreditation before casting my vote and I believe the INEC will do the same at every location.

“So, I want to believe that the process will be very, very transparent, credible, and I hope to see many of them.”

Aiyedatiwa urged residents to come out and exercise their franchise without fear or favour.

Speaking on his chances, the governor said he is in pole position to win the contest.

The APC candidate added that he was the only contender who traversed the 18 LGAs to solicit votes.

“Well, I believe with what we have done in the last 10 months, the populace, the voters, like I said, they know who they want and I believe I will win this election because of the work that I have done in the last 10 months,” he added.

“I want to say that I was the only candidate that covered the entire 18 local governments during the campaign period.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed disapproval of the improper application of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in Nigerian elections, particularly during the 2023 polls.

Obasanjo observed that the issues encountered were not due to the technology itself but rather the result of intentional human interference.

The former President made these remarks while delivering a significant keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University on November 15, 2024, where he highlighted the persistent leadership crisis in Nigeria and advocated for comprehensive reforms to tackle the nation’s governance issues.

In his address, themed “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” Obasanjo revisited Chinua Achebe’s enduring assertion in The Trouble with Nigeria: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”

He cited the insights of political scientists who have pointed out that bribery, intimidation, and violence are factors that allow unqualified individuals to rise to leadership roles.

Obasanjo urged the establishment of a governance framework that emphasizes integrity, competence, and the education of voters.

Referring to the 2023 elections as “a travesty,” he proposed several measures aimed at restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes.

He underscored the necessity for legal reforms to enhance electoral laws, administrative changes to ensure the credibility of electoral officials, and technological protections to secure election results.

Obasanjo advocated for stricter ballot security, precise voter registration, and improved cybersecurity measures to avert electoral manipulation.

He also highlighted the critical need to prevent electoral violence and maintain the integrity of voting infrastructure, which should be validated through transparent and internationally monitored testing procedures.

Obasanjo emphasized the necessity of revitalizing education as a cornerstone for democratic engagement and effective leadership, referencing Nelson Mandela’s statement that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

He reiterated Achebe’s assertion that a viable democracy depends on an informed electorate and ethically sound leaders.

In his closing remarks, Obasanjo cautioned against the dangers of complacency, calling on both Nigerians and the international community to confront the nation’s leadership and governance challenges directly. He characterized Nigeria as too significant to fail, underscoring its vital contribution to the stability and prosperity of Africa.

Reflecting on Achebe’s insights, he contended that the failure of leadership is the fundamental issue behind Nigeria’s difficulties, exacerbated by systemic threats such as electoral malpractice, terrorism, and pervasive corruption.

Obasanjo voiced his apprehension regarding the nation’s economic downturn, pointing out that Nigeria’s GDP had plummeted from $510 billion in 2014 to $199 billion in 2024, as reported by the International Monetary Fund.

In contrast to this decline, he highlighted his administration’s accomplishments, noting that Nigeria’s GDP growth averaged 6.59% during his time in office, reaching a peak of 15.3% in 2002.

He attributed this economic progress to reforms in sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and pensions, along with debt relief efforts, all executed under a capable team’s leadership.