| Abstract: |
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was established in 1989 with a mandate to curtail the menace of illicit drug activities. One of the strategies used by the Agency in realizing its mandate is the dissemination of media messages in the form of press conferences, press releases, opinion editorials, radio talk shows, TV talk shows, media roundtable, social media campaigns, media events, SMS campaigns, and paid advertisements. Despite the dissemination of these media messages, illicit drug use is on the increase. This gives rise to the question: Are the public actually aware of NDLEA media messages against illicit drug use? The present research sought answers to this question. Thus, the objectives of the study centred on ascertaining public awareness of NDLEA media messages on warnings, empowerment and support against illicit drug use. It adopted survey method with a sample of 385 subjects drawn from a population of 463,000 residents of Minna town. The sample was
drawn through disproportionate sampling technique. A 17-item questionnaire, which successfully passed validity and reliability tests, was used to obtain data for the study. Findings revealed low awareness of NDLEA media messages against illicit drug use. To increase awareness levels of its media messages against illicit drug use, it was recommended that NDLEA should adopt a more robust media campaign which emphasizes intentional message design on illicit drug use, use effective/correct platforms, adopt calculated timing in message delivery, ensure effective audience selection and analysis and measure desired impact. |
