Nigeria, April 10 -- A public health expert has said that the family, as a unit of the society, is facing an "unprecedented threat" in Nigeria.

Jessica Charles, a public health practitioner, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said the extended family system, for instance, was "gradually going into extinction in some parts of Nigeria".

Ms Charles is the Executive Director, Save the Family Foundation, a non-profit organisation that focuses on public health, gender-based violence, and family issues.

"In the good old days, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and other relatives were some sort of available and willing help for individuals who were struggling to survive, people who desperately needed shelter, medical assistance, school fees or financial ...