An Appraisal of Asiko Awa Youth and Empowerment Narratives on OGBC 2 90.5 FM Nigeria

Abstract

Radio is everywhere and remains a tool for youth mobilization in developing countries. It serves that need by reaching out to a specific group, class, or category of people. This study examined the effectiveness of Asiko Awa Youth, an indigenous radio programme from OGBC 2 Abeokuta, on youth empowerment and whether such a programme is capable of mobilising both literate and illiterate youths to become self-reliant. It also identified the contributions of indigenous radio programme to youth empowerment within a society. This study is anchored on Development Media Theory, which provides a rationale for how to use the media for the development of people in underdeveloped societies. Using Focus Group Discussions, data was collected from youths who are listeners to the programme. For proper representativeness, the participants included both male and female, white-collar and blue-collar jobs, and all educational levels. The study found that youths have achieved some level of empowerment through information provided by indigenous radio programme. In addition, indigenous radio programme positively impacts youths’ attitudes toward culture, work, and school. The study recommends that indigenous youth programmes be used to mobilize the target listeners toward empowerment and development by educating and enlightening them about significant community issues. It also recommends a national media policy on the inclusion of indigenous language content targeted towards the youth for youth empowerment.

Keywords: Broadcasting, Indigenous Language, National Development, Radio, Youth Empowerment.