Coverage of Corruption News by Major Newspapers in Nigeria

This research arises from the need that conscious effort and attention is needed to curb the negative effects of corruption on socio-economic transformation of the nation and that exploiting the media to expose corrupt practices in sectors of the nation’s economy is the best way in shaping public opinions on the menace of corruption. This study used content analysis to determine the Newspaper coverage of corruption news in the major sectors of the Nigeria economy over a period of 5 years (2006 - 2010). A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select three newspapers namely Tribune, The Nation and Guardian; and a total of nine hundred and thirteen (913) corruption articles generated from the 540 issues were analysed in this study. Data were collected on frequency of coverage, categories of items/stories, prominence, space allotment and depth of treatment of articles on corruption. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and means was used to summarise the data collected. Findings revealed that frequency of coverage of corruption articles in year 2010 carries the highest percentage of 23.7% while the Nigerian Tribune ranked first on the coverage of corruption articles with a total number of 381 (41.7%) articles. Overall, prominence was given to inside page articles (87.4%) in all the three newspapers, however, the Guardian newspaper, reported the highest in the front page having 41.7%. Majority (76.7%) of the corruption articles fell in the news category with the Nigerian Tribune having 42.4%. More than half (56.8%) of space allotted to corruption articles is one-quarter page while the Nigeria Tribune recorded highest (61.4%) space allotment of full page. The politics/governance sector ranked first with a total of 522 news items accounting for 57.2% of the whole corruption stories while agriculture, transport and energy sectors occupied the lower rung of the ladder. Also, politics/governance sector had the highest level of prominence with score of 654. Study concluded that Politics/Governance, Service oriented (i.e. telecommunications and banks), and sports sectors are perceived to be more corrupt sectors in Nigeria. Keywords: Corruption news, newspapers, coverage, Nigerian sectors

Listenership of Latoju Oja Radio Extension Programme among Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria

This study assessed the listenership of latoju oja radio programme among farmers in Oyo state, Nigeria. Ninety farmers from three local government areas were randomly interviewed and data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that the mean age of farmers was 47 years. Most of them (67.8%) were Muslims, male (76.7%), and married (94.4%). Respondents had moderate level of education showing primary education (42.2%) to be in the modal class. A high proportion (80.0%) of the farmers were satisfied with the time of airing of latoju oja programme and considered it to be a useful source of information with a favourable disposition about the programme. Farmers disposition was highest in areas of enhancement of farmers bargaining power ( =4.53). The major constraint faced by respondents was how to sort out conflicting information provided by latoju oja radio programme ( =2.84)). The findings indicated listenership to be low among a majority (58.9%). A significant relationship existed between level of education (x2=3.99), benefits derived (r=0.15) and listenership of latoju oja radio programme.  Although latoju oja radio programme is well listened to, the information provided should be reconciled with the current market value so as to achieve the desired objective

Listenership of Latoju Oja Radio Extension Programme among Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria

This study assessed the listenership of latoju oja radio programme among farmers in Oyo state, Nigeria. Ninety farmers from three local government areas were randomly interviewed and data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that the mean age of farmers was 47 years. Most of them (67.8%) were Muslims, male (76.7%), and married (94.4%). Respondents had moderate level of education showing primary education (42.2%) to be in the modal class. A high proportion (80.0%) of the farmers were satisfied with the time of airing of latoju oja programme and considered it to be a useful source of information with a favourable disposition about the programme. Farmers disposition was highest in areas of enhancement of farmers bargaining power ( =4.53). The major constraint faced by respondents was how to sort out conflicting information provided by latoju oja radio programme ( =2.84)). The findings indicated listenership to be low among a majority (58.9%). A significant relationship existed between level of education (x2=3.99), benefits derived (r=0.15) and listenership of latoju oja radio programme.  Although latoju oja radio programme is well listened to, the information provided should be reconciled with the current market value so as to achieve the desired objective

Application of e-information for Fall Armyworm control among maize farmers in Southwestern Nigeria

This study assessed the application of electronic messages on Fall Armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) disseminated to farmers in Southwestern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling method was used to select 205 maize farmers. Using ex-post factor research design, electronic information on FAW were broadcast to farmers through formats such as voice calls and text messages. Each of the respondents received five batches of voice calls and text messages in English and Yoruba Languages for 2 – 3 weeks. Data were collected on the suitability of e-message, perception and constraints to electronic information use. Data collected were described and analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and linear regression at α0.05. Mean age of respondents was 40years and 69.3% could communicate in Yoruba while only 39.9% understood the English language. Majority of the farmers expressed unfavourable perception to the use of e-messages for FAW information. Constraints identified with e-message use were related to the poor interactivity of the medium, though suitable for 55.6% of the respondents. Level of education and perception were major determinants of the suitability of e-messages disseminated. Thus, dissemination of e-messages to farmers using local languages was advocated in agricultural interventions