EFFECTIVENESS OF MASS MEDIA IN SENSITIZING AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN NIGERIA
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EFFECTIVENESS OF MASS MEDIA IN SENSITIZING AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN NIGERIA
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Nigeria, like most other countries throughout the world, is dealing with a slew of societal issues and crimes. The rate of violent crimes against human beings in Nigeria is disturbing, particularly in this digital age.
Human trafficking is one of the most horrific crimes committed against humans. Human trafficking has pervaded most riverine communities, particularly in Nigeria’s South-South Geopolitical Zone. This awful deed, however, is not unsurmountable.
One method of combating human trafficking is to employ the media, as well as a governmental body established particularly for this goal. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) is Nigeria’s public body in charge of combating human trafficking and child abuse.
Human trafficking is one of the world’s fastest increasing organised crimes. Thousands of women and children around the world are kidnapped, sold, and coerced into forced labour, prostitution, and involuntary marriages.
These activities might be blatant or subtle, such as organised brothels, sex travel packages, trafficking syndicate, forced marriage, bonded work, and so forth (Effah, 2006).
Human trafficking is a widespread issue in Nigeria. It is comprehensive and multifaceted, to the point where many people have become (defenceless) victims. In addition to prostitution, marriage, and forced work, some victims are used for rituals, as agents or accomplices in other crimes, beggars, or even organ transplants.
For example, in April 2014, militants from Boko Haram, an extremist Islamic religious organisation, abducted nearly 200 young girls from Government School in Chibok, Bornu State, Nigeria.
This act sends the message that Nigeria is now a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking. Women and children are still trafficked between Nigeria and countries such as Gabon, Cameroon, Niger Republic, Italy, Spain, Benin Republic, and Saudi Arabia.
In a research report on human trafficking in the south-south, Osakue (2002, p. 3) states that “up to 20 children per day are believed to be trafficked across the Nigerian border.”
Delta, Cross River. Imo and Abia have been designated as key trafficking zones, with Edo and Akwa Ibom State dominating at 62% and 45%, respectively.” This is a significant problem that requires immediate attention if the rights of women and children are to be protected.
The success of resolving any society problem is primarily dependent on good communication of the facts, conditions, and difficulties surrounding the problem, as well as remedies.
According to Udoakah (2006, p. S2), the performance of the communication enterprise should generally benefit individuals and society as a whole. It should reflect environmental problems and community welfare, as well as economic, labour, and human rights issues.
According to Harold Lasswell (2005, p.16), the mass media serves three functions: environmental observation, correlation of portions of society, and transmission of social inheritance from one generation to the next.
Wright (200) adds a fourth role as “entertainment” Okunna (2009, p.274) describes human trafficking as an emotional and sensitive issue that has significantly damaged societal values.
This aspect of man’s humanism towards young people dates back thousands of years. Crime has increased dramatically over the last twelve years as people have been misled or coerced into servitude for economic reasons as a result of dissemination.
This conduct is committed both inside and outside; Nigeria is one of the destinations for human trafficking as a “crime harming a child physically, sexually, and emotionally”.
Maduewesi (2000) contends that there are no data records of how the media has covered this issue. Recent research have indicated that human trafficking, primarily for housekeeping services, is a global phenomenon. Also, Lutz (2002) confirms that home help in various locations was primarily young, unmarried girls aged 14 and up.
Nonetheless, the media’s involvement in raising awareness about human trafficking by producing dramatised programs and substantial reporting on human trafficking and abuse through films, print, and broadcast media is a worthwhile endeavour.
The mass media effort will focus on information that few people have firsthand experience with, as well as uncovering events related to this plague.
As a result, it is claimed that Nigerian mass media can effect social change in Nigeria by launching a campaign against human trafficking and abuse.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
I defy every rational Nigerian to understand why such an act as human trafficking, which is similar to slavery, should continue after more than 200 years since slavery was abolished all over the world.
Unfortunately, Nigeria has been indicted as a transit place, despite efforts by the media, government, and non-governmental organisations to find a long-term solution to the problem.
The exploitative and slave-like conditions imposed on young people under the age of seventeen are more appropriately regarded as cruelty to Nigerian society. This indecent and wicked act should not be pursued.
The Nigerian media has published several stories about human trafficking in outside countries and within the country. Based on this assumption, this study will go on to illustrate the dangers that the epidemic represents, as well as the importance of having everyone on board for the mass media campaign against human trafficking and abuse to be successful. Also, we cannot continue to enable undesirable elements to erode Nigerians’ rights.
1.3 GOALS OF THE STUDY
The aims of this investigation are as follows:
i. Investigate the causes of human trafficking in Nigeria.
ii. To investigate the mass media’s communication methods in their anti-human trafficking campaign in Nigeria.
iii. To measure public perception/opinion on the struggle against the widespread use of human trafficking by the media.
iii. To investigate public perception of the media as an effective tool for combating the repulsive practices of human trafficking in Nigeria.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS.
I. What are the reasons of human trafficking in Nigeria?
ii. What communication tactics do mass media use in its anti-human trafficking campaigns?
iii. How does the public perceive the media’s role in combating human trafficking?
iv. To what extent has the Nigerian public praised the media’s efforts to combat human trafficking?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The study would keep the media and other social institutions to assess their campaigns/programs or policies targeted at wedging battle against human trafficking in order to re-strategize efforts to prevent the issue in Nigeria.
This study would empower/encourage Nigerian women, particularly victims of human trafficking, by guiding, educating, and sensitising them on how to live a better life despite the problems they may face.
The escalating incidences of human trafficking, child labour, and other associated crimes must be curtailed, if not completely eliminated. Children are entitled to fundamental human rights as well as various societal privileges. Those who are already victims will be released and given the opportunity to live a free and better life in society.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study’s scope is based on an examination of mass media’s effectiveness in raising awareness about human trafficking in Nigeria. The study will also look into the role of the media in combating these challenges, as well as how locals perceive the media’s traditional job of educating, sensitising, and exposing society to the dangers of human trafficking.
1.7 Limitations of the Study.
The first obvious shortcoming of the study is a lack of sufficient funding to carry out the research to a greater level. Another obstacle to the study was the researcher’s limited time period.
Again, the researcher encountered difficulties in obtaining resources pertinent to the study that were not located within the study’s geographical area.
1.8 Definition of Terms
MASS MEDIA: The term “mass media” refers to a wide range of media technologies that communicate with a broad audience.
MEDIA: Any channel that facilitates the dissemination and interchange of information/ideas from one location to another, such as radio, television, computers, newspapers/magazines, and so on.
COVERAGE: The extent to which something or someone is covered, or being the centre of anything.
Child trafficking is the sale of minors to another person for sexual or labour purposes.
Coverage is the reporting of news, stories, issues, and events in newspapers.
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