Neighbors (Radio Series) - Nigeria
The African Radio Drama Association (ARDA), with support from the Panos Institute West Africa, has piloted 13 episodes of a dramatic radio series with a situation comedy format that strives to enable conflict management and resolution among Nigerians. The purpose of the project is to encourage Nigerians of all ages to examine their differences and commonalities, in the process coming to respect each other's values.
Communication Strategies
Produced in Pidgin English and broadcast on private and public radio stations throughout the country, the 15-minute drama series highlights common values and personal idiosyncracies shared by Nigerians. In an attempt to break down stereotypes, the series depicts people from different religious and cultural backgrounds in their efforts to relate to one another. Specifically, set in a locale based in a fictitious country named Beto, the series follows the lives of people from a number of different groups (Yangalas, Ijegons, Turmawas, Ogbotors, and Chua-Chua). Focusing on two families (the Imalotis, a middle class Ijegon family, and the Elawis, a Yangale family), the series explores issues like inter-ethnic marriage, religious tolerance, cultural dominance, politics and ethnic patriotism, citizenship, and discrimination.
Key Points
The choice of radio as the medium of broadcast is based on its popularity, accessibility, and flexibility as a channel of communication in Nigeria. Likewise, drama is in line with the African tradition of passing on information about sensitive and serious issues that cannot be easily discussed.
Source
Letter sent from Panos - Radio Department to The Communication Initiative on August 5, 2002.
Placed on the Communication Initiative site October 18 2002
Last Updated October 21 2008
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