Media and Communication Currents (MCC) is a bi-annual publication of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Maiduguri Nigeria started in 2016, under the Department of Mass Communication, which is now expanded to a faculty with seven (7) departments. The Departments are: Departments of: Mass Communication, Journalism and Media Studies, Broadcasting, Film and Multimedia Studies, Development Communication Studies, Public Relations, as well as Advertising. MCC Journal is devoted to intellectual thinking, based on historical, epistemological, methodological, theoretical, and technical/policy discourses and expositions on any aspect of media and communication. Its areas of interest include studies and discussions that deepen or reconceptualize understanding in fields such as media and communication, popular culture and cinema, public relations, advertising, social communication, new media, language and media, communication and cultural policies, social and national identities, gender studies, sports and leisure, tourism, and heritage, among others.
Humanitarian Access in Conflict Settings: Strategic Communication as a Pathway to Overcoming Complexities
Humanitarian access in conflict zones is highly complex, influenced by state authority, non-state armed group control, operational constraints, and ethical dilemmas. Legal mandates and logistical capacity alone rarely ensure access, as interference, territorial fragmentation, insecurity, and misinformation frequently obstruct aid delivery. This study employs a desk review methodology, analyzing secondary sources including scholarly literature, organizational reports, and news articles to examine how strategic communication affects access. Findings reveal that access is a negotiated, relational process, shaped by trust-building, framing neutrality, and managing perceptions with multiple stakeholders. Strategic communication emerges as central to navigating bureaucratic barriers, fragmented authority, operational challenges, and politicization, allowing humanitarian actors to maintain legitimacy, coordinate effectively, and reduce risks. The study concludes that humanitarian access is not solely a legal or logistical outcome but a communicative achievement requiring deliberate, context-aware strategies. Practical recommendations include the adoption of structured communication frameworks that anticipate stakeholder concerns, clarify operational objectives, and foster trust with state authorities, non-state actors, and affected communities. Additionally, agencies should integrate proactive engagement protocols and multi-level messaging to manage perceptions, preempt misunderstandings, and ensure safe, timely, and impartial delivery of aid. These measures strengthen operational effectiveness and ethical compliance in complex conflict environments.
Humanitarian, Access, Strategic Communication, Conflict Zones ,Negotiation
Artificial Intelligence Bias against Women: Societal Implications in Nigeria
This paper examines the issue of artificial intelligence (AI) bias against women in Nigeria and its wider societal implications. AI systems, often trained on incomplete or historically skewed data, risk reinforcing existing inequalities rather than promoting fairness. Drawing on a desk review of global and Nigerian literature, policy documents, and case studies, the study highlights how bias emerges in recruitment, financial services, education, healthcare, and voice recognition technologies. Evidence shows that women are disadvantaged by AI driven hiring platforms, excluded from credit systems, steered away from STEM fields, and underserved by diagnostic tools. These patterns mirror global experiences but are intensified in Nigeria by structural inequalities in access to education, finance, and digital resources. The societal consequences are profound: economic exclusion, restricted career advancement, poorer health outcomes, reduced civic participation, and the reinforcement of patriarchal norms. The paper underscores the urgent need for gender-sensitive AI design, transparent governance, and regulatory oversight to ensure that Nigeria’s digital transformation advances equity rather than deepens discrimination.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Gender Bias, Algorithmic Discrimination, Nigeria, Women
Reimagining Strategic Public Relations for Climate Change Mitigation in Nigeria
Climate change has become a pressing reality in Nigeria, manifesting through desertification, floods, droughts, coastal erosion, and widespread threats to food security. Despite these escalating challenges, climate communication in Nigeria remains fragmented, reactive, and limited by technical language, low awareness, and uneven media coverage. This paper examines how strategic public relations (PR) can be repositioned as a participatory, culturally grounded, and research driven tool for climate change mitigation. Drawing on secondary data from peer reviewed literature, policy documents, NGO reports, and media content, the paper demonstrates that PR holds significant potential to translate climate science into accessible local knowledge, influence public behaviour, strengthen policy engagement, and coordinate stakeholders across sectors. Using Framing Theory and the Two-Way Symmetrical Communication Model as its theoretical foundation, the paper highlights how PR can enhance climate literacy, drive behavioural change, counter misinformation, support crisis communication, and promote sustainable innovation through targeted messaging and dialogue-based approaches. The paper concludes that a strategically repositioned PR practice can enhance Nigeria’s climate resilience by bridging communicative gaps and mobilising collective action across.
Climate change communication, Nigeria, Desertification, floods, droughts, coastal erosion, Public relations (PR), Strategic communication
Concealment and Equivocation as Hedging Strategies in Political Interviews: Perspectives from Pragmatics and Sociology of Communication
Previous frameworks used in conceptualising hedging in linguistic research have limitations when applied to political interview discourse, where hedging does not manifest as property of word classes or indicator of non-prototypicality of objects but as use vague, false and ambiguous langauage.This study examined hedging phenomena in political interview context based on insights from pragmatics and sociology of communication.The specific objectives of the study were to determine how hedging manifests through couplet linkages in political interviews, identify the nature of hedging in political interview discourse, and to extend hedging classificatory framework proposed in research conducted in pragmatics. A corpus-qualitative research design was adopted in order to achieve the objectives of the study. The corpus comprised fifty(50) conversational turns from a political interview granted to TELL Magazine by former Nigerian president, Rtd Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). The interview was segmented into three sections comprising sections on June 12 Presidential Elections, events During Rtd Gen. IBB regime and events during Rtd Gen. Sani Abacha’s regime. Adjacency pairs in the three sections were identified and mapped on to Stensrom’s typology of couplet linkages to determine their structure.The propositional content of each of the adjacency pairs were then micro-analysed using pragmatic constructs (Grice Cooperative Principles) and sociology of communication (Interpersonal Deception Theory).The results indicated that hedging manifests as chaining, embedding, coupling and elliptical coupling in terms of structure.The results of the analysis of propositions in the conversational turns further showed that concealment and equivocation are the strategies used to withhold information and evade questions during political
Hedging, Adjacency Pairs, Political Interview, Couplet Linkages, Interpersonal Deception Theory, Grice Cooperative Maxims.
Student’s Perception of Campus Radio in Broadcast Training at the Federal University, of Kashere
Campus radio holds immense potential as a practical tool for broadcast training. This study explores students’ perceptions of campus radio as a medium for hands-on learning at the Federal University of Kashere, using a descriptive survey design. The primary objective is to examine how students perceive the role of campus radio in their training. Specific objectives include assessing their level of awareness, perceived benefits, challenges encountered, impact on skill development, and overall satisfaction. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Findings reveal that although students are aware of FUK Campus Radio FM, their participation remains relatively low. However, those actively involved reported significant improvements in practical broadcasting skills, communication abilities, and confidence. The major challenges identified include frequent power outages (affecting its solar power system),, poor internet and software infrastructure, and the absence of a structured, curriculum-based training program. The study concludes that while the station contributes meaningfully to the development of students’ professional and interpersonal skills, it currently operates below its full potential. Realizing this potential will require strategic efforts by the university, the department, and station management to address infrastructural limitations and integrate the station more effectively into the academic curriculum.
Student's Perception; Campus Radio; Broadcast Training
Social Media and Political Participation of Nigerian Youths in the 2023 General Election
Social media has evolved into a significant tool for initiating political discourse and fostering political engagement, particularly among youth, influencing their intention to participate in elections. This study aimed to analyse the level of political use of social media among Nigerian youth during the 2023 general elections and their level of political engagement as a result of social media usage. This study employed a quantitative research design, utilizing a survey to investigate the impact of social media use on the political engagement of Nigerian youth at the University of Ibadan and Lead City University, Ibadan, during the 2023 general elections. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 750 students and active social media users in the selected Universities. Questionnaires were administered for data collection. The findings reveal a high proportion of passive political engagement among youths on social media, characterized by consuming political content and engaging in informal discussions, with limited active involvement, such as campaigning, contacting officials, or joining political groups. The study concludes that while social media has expanded access to political discourse, it has not yet transformed into deep, consistent participation. It recommends targeted civic education and youth-focused digital engagement strategies to bridge this gap.
Social media, Political engagement, Nigerian youth, general election
Social and Political Commentary on Northern Nigeria: Analysis of Dan Bello's Skits
This paper examines the role of satire as a medium of social and political commentary in Northern Nigeria through an analysis of a selected skit by Dan Bello. Against a backdrop of socio-political complexity, media restrictions, and cultural sensitivities, Dan Bello’s satirical skits offer a powerful lens into issues such as corruption, governance, education, and religious hypocrisy. The objectives of the paper are to: identify the theme of the selected Dan Bello satirical skit; examine its primary message; identify the social issues addressed; assess the tone and style of presentation; evaluate whether the skit highlights genuine governance issues or serves merely as entertainment; and examine its social and political implications. The study used purposive sample to select one Dan Bello’s skits that generated public and government response. The study adopted qualitative thematic content analysis. The paper revealed that the skit addressed themes such as political hypocrisy, poor leadership, youth unemployment, insecurity, and religious manipulation. The tone was satirical and reflective, effectively using humor, irony, and exaggeration to critique governance and societal ills. The skit was not only entertaining but also served as a catalyst for public discourse and civic engagement. The study concludes that satire, as exemplified by Dan Bello’s skits, is a powerful tool for social and political commentary in Northern Nigeria. It provides a voice for public sentiment and promotes accountability in a context where formal critique is often limited. The study recommends that authorities view satire as a constructive feedback mechanism rather than a threat, and that it be integrated into public awareness campaigns on governance, education, and health. Furthermore, protective measures should be established to safeguard content creators from censorship and intimidation.
Dan Bello, Skit, Bauchi State, Education, Infrastructure, Political Commentary
Indicators of Social Media Addiction among Undergraduate Students of University of Maiduguri, Borno State
It has been observed that social media despite it's ubiquity and usefulness also leads some users to be addicted to the platform with the likely consequences of affecting their social and psychological conditions. Therefore, the study examined Indicators of Social Media Addiction among undergraduate students of University of Maiduguri. The study was anchored on these objectives; to examine whether excessive social media usage leads to mood modifications, to identify the types of mood modification experienced by students, ascertain their experiences after discontinued use of social media and ascertain the effects of excessive social media use on physical relationships of respondent. Uses and gratifications and the BERGEN model of social media addiction were used as theoretical framework to explain the motivations behind students' engagement with social media platforms as well as to assess the patterns of addictive behaviour. The study also applied the quantitative survey as method. Using a sample size of 369 across 18 faculties, via questionnaire, data shows high usage of social media with different frequency. It was found that students spend at least 5 hours on social media on a daily basis which in turn changes their mood, ranging from boredom, fear, anger, anxiety and happiness. Findings equally indicate that excessive social media usage has only affected a minority of the respondents’ interpersonal relationships. Given the number of hours spent on social media daily, how it induces mood and the negative challenges experienced when disconnected from its use, the study conclude that the social media addiction indicators are manifest among the students of University of Maiduguri. Additionally, the sense of boredom and worry, experienced in the absence of social media use may not only induce attention deficit away from learning but also may push them into inevitable addiction.
Social media, social media addiction, mood modification, withdrawal symptoms, conflict.
Perceptions of Sharenting among Parents in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
With the rise of social media use in Maiduguri, parents increasingly share information about their children online, a practice known as sharenting. This raises concerns about children’s privacy and online safety. Despite the growing significance of sharenting in digital parenting and child privacy there is limited understanding of how parents in Maiduguri perceive sharenting, the social media platform parents in Maiduguri use for sharenting, the frequency at which parents engage in sharenting, their reasons for the practice and awareness of parents in Maiduguri on the consequences associated with sharenting. The study was guided by Perceptions Theory and Communication Privacy Management Theories. The survey design was employed in the study with the questionnaire as instrument of data collection administered to 385 respondents selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Findings revealed that parents in Maiduguri preferred to use Whatsapp, Facebook, and Instagram for sharenting although other platforms like Tiktok, Snap Chat, Youtube and X (Twitter) are utilised. The frequency of posting varied, with most parents sharing a few times yearly and monthly. Key reasons for sharenting practices include; to share memories and joy of being a parent. While some parents are aware of the consequences associated with sharenting, such as privacy breach, others lack such awareness. The study concludes that parents in Maiduguri engage in sharenting across various social media platforms, driven by different reasons, such as sharing memories, joy of being a parent and express gratitude to God for the gift of child/children. The frequency of this practice is influenced by personal opinions and factors such as culture, religion, and perceived risks. The level of awareness and its potential risk varies among parents, indicating that some parents are aware of the problems that could emerge because of disclosing too much information about their children online while other parents remain unaware. Highlighting the need of implementing targeted educational programmes and awareness campaigns to inform parents about the risks of sharenting, as protecting children’s digital rights is crucial in today’s technology driven world. While sharenting, reflects evolving parenting practices, it also raises important ethical and security concerns that require attention from both parents and policymakers.
Sharenting, social media, children privacy, parental awareness.
Analysis of Motivation and Job Satisfaction among Journalists in Private and Public Broadcast Stations in Gombe State, Nigeria
This study is an analysis of the factors affecting journalists’ motivation and job satisfaction in private and public broadcast media stations in Gombe state. It examines status of journalists’ job satisfaction; the management perspective as regard to the issue of motivation and job satisfaction of journalists in private and public broadcast stations in Gombe state. Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, Herzberg’s two factor theory, and Vroom’s’ expectancy theory were used as framework for the study. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used questionnaire and interview used to generate primary data from Journalists and members of management respectively. The study found that journalists in private and public broadcast stations are motivated and satisfied with training, co workers’ relationship, recognition. Journalists in both private and public broadcast stations expressed dissatisfaction about overwhelming workload and salary bonuses; in addition, although journalists in public broadcast media indicated to be motivated by their remuneration it is a challenge in private broadcast media. The study concludes that journalists in both private and public media stations in Gombe State share commonalities in terms of getting motivation and deriving job satisfaction cutting across some elements they also share common challenges. The study recommends that both private and public broadcast media should enhance remuneration by exploring alternative media fundings opportunities such as the digital space generate funds from digital platform through their contents.
The Influence of Digital Migration on The Production of Alaroye Newspaper
The shift to digital media has profoundly reshaped the Nigerian print media landscape, particularly for indigenous publications like Alaroye newspaper. This study examined how the transition to digital platforms has influenced Alaroye's content-gathering and editorial processes. The study further examined Alaroye's sustainability amidst the challenges of digital migration. Guided by the Mediamorphosis Theory and Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the research explores how Alaroye adapts and navigates challenges to its sustainability in this digital age. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with six newspaper staff practicing journalists with managerial positions. The findings reveal that Alaroye has adapted to digital trends, transforming its content-gathering operations and editorial processes by publishing online and integrating content on its website and social media platforms. However, these changes have resulted in declining patronage and readership of its print edition. It was found that Alaroye's sustainability would be guaranteed if the media organisation could leverage its activities with the trends in digital technology. The study concludes that while Alaroye has embraced digital migration, the reduced production of its tabloid format highlights the challenges confronting the indigenous print media in a rapidly digitizing world. It recommends innovative audience engagement strategies and a hybrid model combining print and digital formats to sustain relevance and readership.
Public Perception of Operation Safe Corridor as a Strategy for Conflict Resolution in the Boko Haram Conflict: Study of Residents of Maiduguri, Borno State
This study examined public perception of Operation Safe Corridor (OSC) as a strategy for conflict resolution in the Boko Haram used by the Nigerian government through the military. Guided by four objectives; to examine public opinion on the acceptability of the programme in resolving the Boko Haram conflict; the effectiveness of the programme and the relevance of the programme in resolving the conflict. The study used survey as method purposive sampling technique to select respondents in Maiduguri, Borno State. The study reveals that residents in Maiduguri have concerns regarding the honesty of the repentance of the insurgents, likelihood of the insurgents to use the initiative to spy on the communities. Respondents also expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the programme. The study concluded that residents in Maiduguri perceive the OSC as conflict resolution strategy but have reservations in its implementation. The study recommended that the implementers of the programme should engage in a comprehensive public enlightenment to educate members of the public about the component and processes of the programme.
Assessment of the Use of Eyewitness Reports by Channels Television
Ethical concerns surrounding eyewitness materials from citizens often necessitate structured guidelines for integrating them into television productions. This study assessed Channels Television’s use of eyewitness reports in the Eyewitness Report programme. The objectives the study sought to achieve were to identify reasons for Channels Television‘s Eyewitness Report; to examine the mode of sourcing and utilising eyewitness reports; to examine procedures for making eyewitness reports conform to the station’s policies/ethical guidelines and to examine the mode of authenticating eyewitness materials from audience members. This was premised on the gatekeeping theory. The study adopted a qualitative research design, with the key informant interview method to garner insights from News and Current Affairs department personnel involved with the Eyewitness Report programme. A purposive sampling technique was used to select four key informants based on access, availability and knowledge of the subject. Data from the interviews were analysed thematically. The study found reasons behind the use of eyewitness reports to include that of addressing gaps in news coverage. In sourcing and utilising eyewitness reports, the programme actively engaged with the public through various platforms, emphasising credibility and quality checks Furthermore, the study uncovered that meticulous verification processes, follow-up and collaborative decision-making were employed in utilising citizen eyewitness reports. The study concluded that adherence to journalistic guidelines in the context of the Eyewitness Report demonstrates a commendable approach to incorporating citizen voices into the news agenda. The study therefore recommended that Channels Television
Online Communities in Northern Nigeria: Modes and Purposes of Participation in Northern Hibiscus Blog
The growing followership of some blogs in the Northern Nigeria blogosphere has evolved into online communities, providing platforms for like-minded individuals to interact via the internet. However, some of these blogs are now the subjects of public debates on their participants and practices. Employing survey and in depth interview, from January to June, 2024, this study investigated the participatory patterns and purposes of participation in the Northern Nigerian Blogosphere, using followers of Northern Hibiscus blog as the population of the study. Anchored on the Social media engagement and Uses and gratification theories, the study used purposive sampling to collect data from 400 active members of the community through a self-administered questionnaire via Google form for the survey while five (5) active members frequently found in the community’s comment section constituted the sample for the in-depth interview. Results showed that the majority of the members participate in the community through the liking of posts and the majority of the members are mostly interested in Counselling (Mallama, hide my I.D) content. The results further showed that members participate in the community to learn, and feel a sense of belonging and for personal interests such as self-development and self-actualization. This study concludes that members of the community approve of the content of the blog and participate in the community for different benefits. This study recommends that the moderators of the community should create a way for members to report
Influence of Doctor-Patient Communication on Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer Patients in Lagos State
The study titled, “Influence of doctor-patient communication on diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer patients in Lagos State” assessed the nature and quality of communication between medical doctors and breast cancer patients. The study also evaluated the influence of doctor-patient communication on the patients’ coping mechanism to their condition. Critical awareness raising theory serves the theoretical framework for the study. This study employed the qualitative research approach, which informed the choice of in-depth interview as instrument for data collection. A sample size of 6 medical doctors and 6 breast cancer patients at Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) oncology clinic were used for the study. The findings revealed that the nature of communications between doctors and breast cancer patients is mainly face to face as most of the medical doctors failed to call the patients after consultation or give the patients health texts or audio-visuals and other resources that could boost their understanding of their condition and treatment procedure. It also found that although the doctors felt the quality of their communication with the patients were clear, empathetic, and resonated with the patients’ needs, the patients felt it was inadequate because some of the doctors hardly gave them enough time to explain themselves thoroughly during consultation session. The study also found that quality communication with their doctors eased the stress and anxieties associated with the patients’ health condition and their treatment process and enhanced their coping mechanisms. The study concludes that when the nature and quality of communication with their doctors is merely
Articles, Paper, research notes and book reviews are invited for publication in the Media and Communication Currents, a journal devoted to intellectual thinking based on historical, epistemological, methodological, theoretical and technical/policy discourses and expositions on any aspect of media and communication. All paper/articles, research notes reports book reviews submitted for publication in Media and Communication Currents should conform to the following: 1. Be submitted in MS word, 12 point Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing 2. Article should have a cover page, bearing the title, name of author(s), affiliation or address, email and phone number 3. The article/paper should have an abstract of not more than 250 words after the title 4. Articles/papers should not be more than 7,000 words 5. Author(s) should use APA referencing (latest) style 6. Articles submitted for publication would be subject to blind assessment by scholars for quality 7. Contributors are entitled to a copy of the published journal. Articles are submitted to Media and Communication Currents on the understanding that they have not been sent for consideration elsewhere. All decisions on articles/papers submitted for publication will be communicated within three weeks from the date of receipt of article/paper. Email: mccurents@gmail.com For Details: Contact Wilson Joseph +2348038399712 MCC Account Details: Fidelity Bank 6060352182 Important Dates: Deadline for Submission of Paper: May 30 (for June Edition) November 30 (for December Edition) every year Media and Communication Currents is a publication of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
Analysis of the Coverage of Data Safety in Selected Nigerian Newspapers
This study analysed print newspapers coverage of data safety in Nigeria. The focus of the analysis was on story, theme, source and prominence of data safety. Mixed research designs were adopted which are the content analysis with the coding sheet and as instruments for data collection. The technological determinism and agenda setting theories were adopted in this regard. A sample size of three newspapers - the Punch, Guardian and Tribune was purposively selected between January 2022 to June 2022. The study found that more stories were published on data protection and cyber fraud within the period of the study. It also found that various themes on data safety featured in the coverage. The study further found that most of the stories on data safety appeared on the front page of the newspapers. Moreover, sources of news coverage were largely official government reports and documents. The study concludes the prominence attached to the stories of data safety in Nigeria was poor. Moreover, the story tone of majority of the publications was informative with no deep insights on how readers can successfully navigate the digital space. Since the mass media usually gives prominence to trending issues no matter how important other issues may be, it could be that the newspapers did not see the stories of data safety as crucial. The study, therefore, recommended that Newspaper editors and reporters should
Awareness and Utilisation of the Services of International Press Freedom and Journalists’ Safety Organisations among Practitioners in Kano State, Nigeria
Journalists globally are increasingly becoming an engendered group as they are confronted with a variety of safety challenges. This has made safety and protection a necessity for journalists as well as the establishment of such organisations as Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), International Federation for Journalists (IFJ) and International Press Institute (IPI) among others saddled with the task of promoting press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists all over the world. Considering the increasing safety concerns for journalists in Nigeria, this article examines the awareness of journalists about international safety organisations and the utilisation of their services by Journalists in Kano State. The objectives of the study are to examine whether journalists in Kano are aware of international press freedom and safety organisations and whether they utilise their services. A survey of 109 journalists in Kano reveals a considerable level of awareness among journalists yet with majority of them not utilising the services rendered by these global bodies. The paper concludes that majority of journalists surveyed are aware of the international press freedom and safety organisations. However, there are more of them that do not utilise the services of the international organisations. Therefore, the study recommends that NUJ and the journalists who are aware should, through roundtable discussions and workshops, enlighten their colleagues about the organisations and what they have to offer. Similar effort should be made by NUJ and members who utilise the services of the organisations to guide those who don’t utilise those services to do so when they encounter safety challenges.
Cultural Model of Romantic Love in Hausa Society as a Form of Defiance: A Lyrical Analysis of Hamisu Breaker’s “Jarumar Hausa”
The article is a lyrical analysis of Hamisu Breaker’s “Jarumar Hausa” in search for a cultural model that defines romantic love in Hausa society. Using the content analysis method, the article looks at the themes derived from the lyrical text of the song, and songs overriding idea which presents a unique insight into the cultural conception of romantic relationships in Hausa society of Northern Nigeria. The findings from the analysis shows that romantic love in Hausa society as depicted in the songs is characterized by shared adamancy and defiance. The dominant trope in the song is one of resilience, and Breaker’s persona portrays the lovers as being confronted by adversities – human and environmental – that are (bound to be) bent upon tearing them apart, and whom the lover vows to withstand. The analysis also shows that a recurring theme an couple or relationship as depicted in the song is that it is a struggle against external forces. Other themes that emanated from the analysis is the use of words like “Life” to buttress the importance of Love implying that love transcends the heart – it is a matter of life. There is also an explicit eulogy of the Hausa female in the song as exemplified in all the verses. The study concludes that the song’s overriding idea in the assessment of romantic love in the Northern Nigeria is the central role of defiance against all odds in seeking for love relationship. Hence, in Hausa society, lovers must contend with external elements, and no love affair can succeed unless the parties involved are able to tackle their enemies, even if these are imaginary and contrived.
Assessment of Nollywood movies Anti-Patriarchy Culture and Gender Equality among Female Workers in Babcock University, Ogun state, Nigeria
The study set out to assess the anti-patriarchy culture of Nollywood movies and gender equality among female workers in Babcock University Ogun state, Nigeria by exploring the prevailing themes used to address gender equality in Adire and the WildFlower, investigating Babcock University's female workers' perception of the portrayal of anti-patriarchy culture in Adire and the Wild Flower and ascertaining the influence of perceived portrayal of gender roles in Adire and the Wildflower on the attitude of Babcock University's female workers. This study employed a mixed method (qualitative content analysis and survey). The data gathered from the analysis of two selected movies (The Wildflower and Adire) and 335 copies of the questionnaire found that prevalent themes such as resistance to traditional gender norms, female empowerment, gender discrimination in the workplace, domestic violence, subversion of patriarchal dynamics and individual agency & liberation were used to address gender equality. The linear combination of the perceived portrayal of gender roles in The Wildflower and Adire improves female workers’ attitude towards gender roles. The result also showed that the perception about the portrayal of anti patriarchy culture was positive for Adire (x̅=3.48) and the Wildflower (x̅=3.33). The research findings underscore the significance of media portrayals in moulding perceptions about gender roles and advancing gender parity.
Countering Misconceptions on Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Pregnant Women in Yola, Adamawa State Using a Dual Feedback-Loop Communication Model
Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) approach to child nutrition has been identified as an effective means of reducing child mortality and improving infant and maternal health. Regrettably, some nursing mothers are reluctant to adopt the method of child nutrition due to misconceptions arising from inadequate knowledge, myths and cultural practices. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of Dual Feedback Loop Communication Model in countering misconceptions about exclusive breastfeeding among pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic at Specialist Hospital, Yola Adamawa State, Nigeria. The objectives of the paper are to: identify the misconceptions pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic at Specialist Hospital, Yola have on exclusive breastfeeding; determine whether there is a variance in the conception of exclusive breastfeeding in the target group and analyse the effectiveness Dual Feedback-Loop communication model in countering misconceptions on exclusive breastfeeding. A mixed-method design, that combines quantitative and qualitative approaches, was adopted for the study. Data for the study was derived from responses of a cross section of participants comprising thirty-three (33) pregnant women, who were selected purposively.
Examining Public Sentiments in the Self-help Security Initiatives Introduced by Operation Amotekun
In Nigeria, widespread security breaches have been systematically destroying human lives and property for decades. On January 9, 2020, the governors of Nigeria’s six southwest states launched Operation Amotekun, commonly known as Amotekun, in response to the ongoing security infractions in the southwest geopolitical zone. Amotekun, a regional self-help security initiative, aims to assist the federal government in addressing security challenges through local enforcement. Since its launch, Amotekun has generated research and media interest. In particular, mainstream media and social media sites like X (previously Twitter) have a significant influence on the sentiments that are trending around security. It is unclear, though, what public perspectives exist about Amotekun on social media. This study explores public sentiments regarding Amotekun through the prism of neorealism. 153,300 unique tweets were collected from X users that matched the keyword #Amotekun and cleaned to remove redundancies and repetitions. The data were analysed using the NLTK libraries. Findings reveal that public sentiment towards Amotekun was predominantly positive, with 69,894 (45%) tweets, followed by negative tweets at 48,925 (32%), and the least, 36,212 (23%), tweets representing neutral sentiments. These findings indicate a general approval of the initiative, suggesting its acceptance among the public. The study contributes to the understanding of self-help security initiatives and their impact on public sentiments, highlighting the broader implications for regional security policies.
Unholy Alliance’: Media, Democratic Accountability and Monetisation of Elections in Nigeria
Globally, election is a cardinal component of the political process and the media has the core responsibility of promoting free and fair elections to ensure democratic accountability. Therefore, this research surveys journalists’ experiences on the dimensions of election monetisation in the Nigerian media; the impacts of monetisation of elections on free and fair elections; and the consequences of monetisation of elections on the country’s democratic accountability. Data was collected from online, print and broadcast journalists in Nigeria using telephone semi-structured interview. The findings reveal a multi-dimensional involvement of Nigerian politicians and the media in facilitating and perpetuating the monetisation of elections in the country through ‘incentives’ and provision of ‘logistics’ to journalists; over payment on approved airtime rates; giving journalists money to slant reports; mounting propaganda against opponents; funding flagship media outlets/prominent media personalities to influence discussions/change public opinion; and commissioning write-ups in the media and sponsoring journalists on campaign tours. The politicians also sponsor media programmes, pay for adverts/jingles and live election coverage, among others. Consequently, the study concludes that although some of these may appear as regular revenue streams for the media, a lot of these are subtle dimensions of election monetisation that can influence election narratives, swerve public opinion, confuse or misinform the electorates. These could undermine the credibility of the media/journalists to perform their constitutional roles. Therefore, this study recommends that media/journalists should be guided by journalism ethical principles in advocating against and highlighting the multidimensional consequences of the monetisation of elections rather than promoting it to entrench free, fair and transparent elections and promote accountable leadership in Nigeria.
Analysis of the Coverage and framing of Climate Change Issues in selected Nigerian Newspapers
The study analysed the coverage of climate change in four Nigerian newspapers, Daily Trust, Leadership, The Nation, and This Day, from January 2021 to December 2022. The research objectives were to evaluate the frequency of climate change coverage, identify the dominant reporting genre, and examine the frames used in the selected newspapers. The study used content analysis method and found insignificant disparity in the frequency of climate change reports across all newspapers, except The Nation, which had the lowest volume. Climate change mitigation emerged as the dominant framing approach in all newspapers, while features were the primary genre employed in conveying climate change related information. The study recommends addressing the lack of awareness among journalists producing climate change reports to enhance media coverage and promote public knowledge of climate change. Improving the quality of media climate change reports will encourage a more environmentally conscious society and climate actions.
Perception of Innoson Vehicle’s Brand Awareness on Social Media Platform among Residents of Abuja, Nigeria
The study underscores the perception of Innoson vehicles brand awareness on social media platforms among residents of Abuja in Nigeria, with a view to examining perception of the brand visibility of Innoson vehicles on social media among Abuja residents, the perception on whether Innoson Vehicle’s messages communicates its brand awareness on social media, and perception on the extent to which Innoson Vehicle utilise social media platforms in communicating its brand awareness. It surveyed and purposively sampled Abuja residents in Nigeria, who are ardent followers of Innoson Vehicle on social media, using cross sectional design. The findings of the study revealed that Innoson’s brand is more visible on Facebook and Twitter than on Instagram, YouTube and WhatsApp. It further found that Innoson Vehicle’s brand awareness messages hardly express the true essence/personality of its brand. The study concludes that while people majorly get to know about Innoson vehicles on Twitter and Facebook, it showed a low visibility rate on YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram. It further concludes among others that Innoson Vehicle’s messages are not compelling and emotionally appealing enough on social media, its messages do not communicate its brand awareness on social media as it should. It recommends that Innoson Vehicle should strengthen and expand its brand visibility more on YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp, where its brand’s visibility is found to be low, and that Innoson should invest efforts in crafting compelling and emotionally appealing messages that will effectively communicate its brand awareness social media.
Analysis of the Framing of Farmer-Herder Conflict in Nigeria in Daily Trust and the Punch Newspapers
Frames used by media in the coverage of conflict can influence how the audience process information and form their perception on the issues. This study examines how Daily Trust and The Punch newspapers framed the farmer-herder conflict in Nigeria between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019. The period was purposively selected based on the criteria that it was a period when the conflict become far more severe in Nigeria. The research adopts Media Framing Theory as theoretical framework, and Content analysis as methodology. 1, 044 weekdays editions of the papers, excluding weekend editions, formed the universe of the study. The study used census to analysed the entire weekdays editions of the selected newspapers. Findings show that the two papers utilised eight different frames in their reportage of the farmer-herder conflict in Nigeria: conflict, human interest, economic consequence, ethnic, religious, criminality, political response, and peace frames to frame a total of 611 stories. Findings also reveal that the papers predominantly framed the reports on the conflict as acts of criminality. The research recommends that the selected newspapers would do well to enhance its use of peace frame as a way to finding solution to the conflict.
Reward Systems and Attraction to Journalism Practice in Nigeria
This study examined trainees’ knowledge of the reward systems in journalism practice in Nigeria and analysed factors that motivate intending journalists beside the expected income from journalism practice. This study ascertained the drive for taking up studies into journalism and media related studies, determined students’ knowledge of the remunerations of journalists and media related jobs in Nigeria, the attractive appeals in journalism and media practice among students of mass communication and the socio-economic factors that affect the consideration of journalism as a profession among mass communication students. Using the survey design, the study administered questionnaire to 388 students of Mass Communication at the Benue State University. Findings of the study show that majority of those undergoing mass communication studies had the course in mind as their most preferred field from the outset. Other findings show nearly all the students have no knowledge of the salary packages of journalists in Nigeria or elsewhere in the world; students have an assumption that the salary packages of journalists are relatively high; students are not driven to taking up journalism studies on the bases of potential earnings but the desire to genuinely provide society with factual and useful information. The interest in field of mass communication by students in Benue State University Makurdi, in most instances was based on individual choice right at the initial stage of taking up studies in higher institutions.
Exposure to Mass Media Medicine Advertisements and Practice of SelfMedication among Undergraduates of University of Ibadan
Self-medication has become a health care issue globally and concerns are not uncommon about the part being played by the mass media medicine advertisements in promoting its practice, especially among the youths. Few studies have investigated the correlation between exposure to mass media medicine advertisements and self medication among students from Nigerian universities. The study, therefore examined the influence of mass media medicine advertisements on self-medication among undergraduates of University of Ibadan. Cross-sectional survey was adopted as the research design while multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 241 respondents across 8 departments. Structured questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection while descriptive statistics, Spearman rho and Pearson Chi- square were used to analyze the data. Majority (n=162; 67.2%) were exposed to mass media medicine advertisements 3months prior to the study. Finding further showed a negative correlation between exposure to mass media medicine advertisements and self medication practices among University of Ibadan undergraduates. The study concludes that there is need for further studies to interrogate other plausible intervening variables that may be influencing self-medication among this cohort.
Mass Media Coverage of Local Government Autonomy: Stakeholders’ Assessment in South-South Nigeria
This study examined stakeholders’ assessment of mass media sensitisation on local government autonomy in South-South Nigeria. The research adopted the survey method and sampled 395 respondents drawn from a population of 33, 400 staff members of the Local Government Service Commissions in the three South-South states of Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Edo. The objectives of the study included: to find out the extent of exposure to mass media reports on local government autonomy among the South-South stakeholders; to ascertain whether the South-South stakeholders perceived media reports on local government autonomy as satisfactory and to determine whether the South-South stakeholders have confidence in the mass media to facilitate the realisation of local government autonomy in Nigeria. Findings from the study showed that exposure to mass media reports on local government autonomy among stakeholders in the South-South zone of Nigeria was high and their satisfaction with the level of media reportage on local government autonomy was not substantial while their confidence in the mass media capacity to facilitate local government autonomy through media hype was high and considerable large in terms of percentages. Based on the above findings, the study concludes that though the local government stakeholders in the South-South geo political of Nigeria are highly exposed to mass media reportage of the quest for local government autonomy, they perceive the coverage given by the mass media as just moderate and inadequate. It therefore recommends that the mass media should see the quest for local government autonomy as a project and help to facilitate the realisation of full local government autonomy through their consistent hype and framing of the issue in their news reports among others.
Book Review Photojournalism: Telling Stories with Pictures and Words
The over one decade old book remains an interesting reference material any day anytime for scholars and practitioners in the area of photojournalism. As multimedia news contents continue to gain popularity among news media outlets, news photograph; the still image, remains a powerful news source that appeals to media audience even in the digital age. James Glen Stovall and Michael Martinez aptly captures in their 59-page book, some fundamentals on telling stories with pictures and words. The book which has 11 sections, highlight some important components on the general areas of photojournalism as well as useful practices that make photojournalism an interesting field in them media world. Section one of the book is titled: The power of the photograph, delves into explaining why photograph important to understanding of the world around us. It began with bringing to the fore the development of photograph in the 1830s as one of the most profound development that that affected how the society views the world, particularly how pictures highlight places, events and other things that people ordinarily found complications in understanding. The authors, in this section further emphasised how still pictures are particularly effective in making a lasting impression on the audience, hence journalists should make photograph a part of every story they cover.