PERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF EDUN OKAN RADIO PROGRAMME AS A TOOL FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN OFFA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

This study assessed the Perceived Influence of Edun Okan Radio Programme as a Tool For Development Project in Offa Local Government. The study was guided by five objectives which were to determine the level of exposure to broadcast media messages on development projects amongst residents of Offa Local Government, to find out perception of Offa residents on the roles of Edun Okan on Okin 105.7 FM in mobilizing people for development projects, to ascertain the perceived influence of Edun Okan on Okin 105.7 FM in enhancing development projects in Offa, to determine the level of participation in development projects through Edun Okan on Okin 105.7 FM amongst residents of Offa, to suggest ways in which the broadcast programme can be enhanced to further promote developmental projects in Offa. Quantitative research design was employed for the study and survey research method was employed for the study. From the data gathered, it was agreed that most of the respondents were exposed to broadcast media messages and programmes on development in Offa Local Government. It was also discovered that Edun kan programme on Okin 105.7 FM mobilized the residents of Offa Local Government to anticipate in development projects. More so, it was found that Edun Okan on Okin 105.7 FM positively influenced people in their area towards development projects, just as some others ‘Termed that Edun Okan on Okin 105.7 FM aroused their interest towards participating in development projects. Furthermore, it was found that about half of the respondents strongly agreed that they have once participated in a development project as a result of theirs exposure to Edun Okan on Okin 105.7FM. Although most of them opined that Edun Okan on Okin 105.7FM is positive in direction. The study therefore, concluded that communication is very vital for the success of community development in order to provide adequate information to object participants in the participating communities. For in this study, it was discovered that Okin FM has a very great impact in mobilizing people towards participating in community development programme. In the developing nations, effective communication can be seen as a viable tool for a remarkable success in community development endeavours.. Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, it was recommended Federal and state government needs to evolve a viable communication framework that would ensure a practical implementation of broadcasting at grassroots in the country in a bid enhance community development.