Perception Of Osogbo Residents Of Mass Media Campaign Against Child Trafficking In Nigeria
The perception of Osogbo residents regarding mass media campaigns against child trafficking in Nigeria reflects a complex interplay of awareness, efficacy, and societal response. Through strategic dissemination via television, radio, and social media platforms, these campaigns aim to sensitize communities, mobilize support, and empower individuals to combat this pervasive issue. Within Osogbo, a city with its unique socio-cultural dynamics, the effectiveness of such campaigns hinges on their resonance with local values, beliefs, and experiences. While some residents may perceive these initiatives as impactful catalysts for change, fostering a sense of urgency and collective responsibility, others might harbor skepticism due to prior disillusionment with government interventions or insufficient access to information. Furthermore, the perception may vary based on factors such as education level, socioeconomic status, and proximity to trafficking hotspots. By addressing these nuanced perceptions and tailoring messages to resonate with Osogbo’s diverse populace, mass media campaigns can foster a more robust and inclusive response to combat child trafficking, thereby safeguarding vulnerable individuals and strengthening community resilience against this pervasive threat.
Trafficking in persons has been an age-long practice at both local and international levels and this has gained international attention with the ‘Protocols to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons especially Women and Children ’which is also referred to as the‘Trafficking Protocol’.This United Nations’ instrumenthas evidently removed the practice from the local to international domain of operation and therefore has becomean issue of universal concern. However, the signing and domestication of this protocol in municipal laws of member countries particularly in Africa has not impacted significantly on the practice as cartels of human traffickers keep erupting even as the battle turns fierce against them. This paper peruses the causes of trafficking in persons, its dynamics and the media engagement in the fight against thescourge. In carrying out the study the researcher used survey design method, while questionnaire was the instrument of the study. Simple tables and percentages were used in analyzing and presenting the data collected. A total of two hundred questionnaires we given out to the mass media audience and one hundred questionnaires were issued to the mass media practitioners. The response rate of the mass media audience was one hundred and eighty. The data collected was analyzed to determine their responses. The response favourable and in support of the role of the media against child trafficking and abuse was analyzed and it was discovered that most of the victims of this ugly vices were from impoverished homes.This study proffers some peace building suggestions for the involvement of the media in the fight against human trafficking.
Title page
Certificate page
Declaration
Certification
Abstract
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of contents
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3 Objectives of the study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Significance of the study
1.6 Research Questions
1.7 Delimitations / Limitation
1.8 Operationalization/Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Conceptualreview
2.2 Conceptual Review
2.1.1 HumanTrafficking
2.1.2 HumanSmuggling
2.1.3 ConsequencesofHumanTrafficking/Smuggling
2.3 Theoretical review
2.2.1 TheFightagainstHumanTraffickinginNigeria
2.2.2 TheMedia
2.2.3 TypesofMediaInterventions
2.3 Empirical review of the study
2.3.1 RoleExpectationsoftheMediainchildTrafficking
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research method
3.2 Research design
3.3 Research sample
3.4 Measuring instrument
3.5 Data collection
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Data Analysis
4.2 Discussion of findings
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Recommendations
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
In Africa, it is difficult to extricate trafficking in persons from the communal culture of Africanswhich makes a child a communal possession. The family is widely extended and can include all that belong to atribe or even an ethnic group where all claim common descent. It is common place therefore for a child to livewith an uncle of a hard to trace familial connection and enjoy paternal love and care from such. At the same time,such a child might be subjected to severe conditions in form of child labour under the supervision of such anuncle. Whatever the case might be, the parents are supposed to appreciate the ‘benefactor’ and nothing to thecontrary.Anexposuretoadverseconditionearlyinlifeissupposedtostrengthenthechildandpreparehimforthe challenges of the future. The Yoruba would say, ‘Omo a fi’sewonindagba, omo a fi ojuojo bi ko to gege’.Thisculturehasinevitablylent ahand to thechild traffickingphenomenonin Africa.
On the other hand, in the West, the industrial revolution of the 16thC ignited a huge demand for labour-particularlycheaplabour.ThisquestledtotheSlaveTradethatlastedoverthreecenturies-16th-18thC(Wikipedia) when young African young men and women were carted away to Europe and the Americas. Thiscrop of young, virile and healthy males and female Africans were made to work on their masters’ plantationsundercoarseconditionswiththeirwomenandgirlssubjectedtorapeandother crimestohumanity.
Before the slave trade, British Kings, Earls, Lords and Bourgeoisie had retinue of servants working intheir households at the mercy of their masters’ whims and caprices. This culture is not alien to other civilisationsintheworldeveninAfrica.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
I beat every sound minded Nigerians imagination why such act like child trafficking that is akin to slavery should continue after more than 200 years since slavery was stopped all over the world. Unfortunately, Nigeria has been indicted as a transit point irrespective of efforts of the media, government and non-governmental bodies towards finding a lasting solution to the change.
The exploitive and slave like conditions meted out on young persons under the age of seventeen is better described as cruelty to the Nigeria child. This indecent and ungodly act-should not strive. In Nigeria if the provision of the United Nation Conventions in 2000 and the Nigerian 1999 constitution is something to go by given the abuse emotional trauma and neglect the child in Nigeria undergoes, one can therefore agree that an average Nigerian is not much aware of the child right bill.
Several publication have been made by the Nigerian mass media concerning children that are continuously abuse and trafficked to foreign countries and within the nation in deceit for trafficking. Based on this premise, this research will further explain the danger the scourge portends and the need for all hands to be on deck for the mass media campaign on anti-child trafficking to be a success. Also we cannot continue to allow undesirable element to destroy the destinies of our children.
1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
The nefarious act of child trafficking is no longer news in the country. Also to say that Nigeria is a catchment ground and as well as dumping point for child traffickers cannot in anyway raise eyebolt. No one can ever deny the fact that child abuse is on the increase in Nigeria. Based on these issues, government bodies and good spirited individuals are expected to take the bull by the horn to motivate, encourage and participate directly on the Nigerian mass media role in the anti-child trafficking campaigns. However, the main aim of this study is to determine the perception of Osogbo residents of mass media campaign against child trafficking in Nigeria using Fresh FM, Osogbo, Osun State is the case study.
Objectives of a study call for ways to address these under listed steps with a view to find lasting solution to this menace. Objectives of this are:
a) To look inwardly as to discover the things that has impeded the Nigerian mass media anti-child trafficking campaign.
b) To appreciate and explain the Nigerian mass media role in their anti-child trafficking campaign as well as,
c) Identifying and addressing the root cause of the scourge.
d) The study should also ascertain the government and non-governmental bodies’ effort in this campaign.
e) And to suggest some other measures that would be of help to the media in their quest to eradicate the scourge.
f) To investigate the level of ignorance exhibited by some media claimants.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCES OF STUDY
The study tends to provide information on child trafficking in the country. Also the need to address the Nigerian mass media encumbrances in their bid to fight the menace.
The research will be of immense help to guardians, parents, and children the nation and the entire world. The causes and measures to tackle these mysterious vices will be treated.
The study will help people understand how ungodly the menace is and the bad image it has created to Nigerians especially at times like this when the country is leading a crusade on re-branding the image of the nation.
The work among other things will go a long way in protecting the destinies of our children and the research shall serve as a referential material to other researcher who would like to embark on similar research work in due course.
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1) What are the mass media roles in the anti-child trafficking campaign in Nigeria?
2) Arethe Nigeria mass media effectively carry out their anti-child trafficking campaign?
3) Have the Nigerian mass media live up to expectation so far?
4) What are the factors adversely impeding their effort in their anti-child traffickingcampaign.
1.6 DELIMITATIONS / LIMITATION
The study will be restricted to the role of Fresh FM, Osogbo, Osun State mass media in the anti-child trafficking campaign in Nigeria. The study is limited to Osun State alone due to financial and time constraints. At any rate, the problem encountered in the cause of this research is getting of reports and materials on the Nigeria trafficking campaign and how to source out other relevant data.
Be that as it may, the research was able to obtain material from the press, books, and internet and media outlets.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS AND CONCEPT
PERCEPTION: Perception is the organization, identification, and interpretation of sensory information in order to represent and understand the presented information or environment.
MASS MEDIA: Sources of information and news such as newspaper, magazine, radio, television, internet, films that reach and influence the attitude and opinions of large people.
ANTI: Something a person does not agree with or accept
CHILD TRAFFICKING: The illegal sending away of children to foreign countries and within the country. Child abuse: It is a crime that harms a child in a physical, sexual or emotional way.
CAMPAIGN: A series of activities that is well articulated planned and organized to achieve or accomplish a particular goal.
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The perception of mass media campaigns against child trafficking in Nigeria varies among different individuals and groups within the country. It’s important to note that Nigeria has been grappling with the issue of child trafficking for many years, and efforts to combat this problem have involved various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the media.
Here are some common perceptions and viewpoints regarding mass media campaigns against child trafficking in Nigeria:
- Awareness and Education: Many people perceive mass media campaigns as essential tools for raising awareness about the issue of child trafficking. These campaigns often provide valuable information about the signs of child trafficking, the dangers it poses, and how to report suspicious activities. Such educational efforts are generally seen as positive and necessary.
- Positive Impact: Some individuals and organizations believe that mass media campaigns have had a positive impact on reducing child trafficking in Nigeria. These campaigns help sensitize communities, encourage reporting, and discourage potential traffickers.
- Limited Reach: Critics argue that mass media campaigns may have a limited reach, especially in rural and remote areas where child trafficking is prevalent. Inadequate access to media, low literacy rates, and language barriers can hinder the effectiveness of these campaigns in some regions.
- Sensationalism: There is also a perception that some media outlets sensationalize child trafficking stories for higher viewership or readership, which can undermine the seriousness of the issue. This sensationalism may desensitize the public or create fear without offering constructive solutions.
- Government Commitment: The perception of government involvement in these campaigns varies. Some believe that the government is genuinely committed to combating child trafficking, while others may see these campaigns as a way for the government to show its efforts without significant results on the ground.
- Impact Measurement: Some individuals and organizations may question the effectiveness of these campaigns in terms of measurable impact. They may call for more rigorous evaluation and assessment of the outcomes and whether the campaigns lead to concrete actions, such as increased arrests and convictions of traffickers.
- Collaboration: Many people view mass media campaigns as part of a larger effort that involves collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and the media. Effective collaboration is often seen as crucial to addressing the complex issue of child trafficking comprehensively.
- Continued Vigilance: There is a perception that media campaigns should be ongoing and sustained rather than occasional or short-term. Some argue that consistent messaging and education are necessary to combat child trafficking effectively.
In summary, the perception of mass media campaigns against child trafficking in Nigeria is mixed. While they are generally seen as important for raising awareness and educating the public, there are concerns about their reach, sensationalism, and the need for sustained efforts. Effective campaigns require a multi-pronged approach that involves various stakeholders working together to address the root causes of child trafficking and provide support to victims.