Effectiveness of ABS Radio Programme NDLEA and You in Creating Awareness about Drug Abuse and Drug-Related Crimes among Awka Residents

Abstract

Considering the prevalence and negative effects of drug abuse and drug-related crimes, this study examined the effectiveness of Abs Radio Programme NDLEA And You in Creating Awareness about Drug Abuse and Drug-Related Crimes Among Awka Residents. The study was anchored on the Agenda Setting theory and the theory of reasoned action to argue that ABS radio has the power to raise the significance of the Radio Programme NDLEA And You in thepublics mind, and that changes in the behavioural and normative beliefs of Awka residents after exposure to the NDLEA and YOU, will ultimately affect and could lead to possible positive behavioural change. The study employed a quantitative design being the descriptive survey. Research Questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection which was distributed to a representative sample of 383 residents in Awka community. This selection was based on the recommendations ofKrejcie and Morgan (1970). Findings revealed that many Awka residents are exposed to ABS radio programme “NDLEA and YOU. It was also found that exposure to ABS radio programme “NDLEA and YOU” does not reduce the rate of drug and substance abuse among Awka residents. The study concludes that drug abuse significantly jeopardizes the overall health of the nation, with a particular adverse impact on youths and that ABS Radio, programme NDLEA and YOU as an influential source of information, bears a substantial responsibility in combating drug abuse. It was therefore recommended, among others, that media organizations should intensify their public awareness campaigns through various means such as organizing dramas, symposiums, and lectures within the community.