The Nigerian Mass Media and Reorientation of Values: Problems and Prospects

Okafor, G. O.

Media scholars across the globe agree that the media has some kind of influence on its audiences. However, the nature, direction and extent of this influence remain a source of argument and disagreements. Nigeria, a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and a major crude oil exporter has remained largely un-developed because of endemic corruption which has led to perversion of societal values and ethos. The Nigerian media though faced with many internal and external challenges has a rich history of activism. This activism was made manifest during the struggle for political independence in the 1960s and years of military dictatorships spanning over thirty years (1967-1999). The performance of the Nigerian media during the dark periods in Nigeria’s history has resulted at times, in a high level of media believability among Nigerians although this has not been consistent. Aspects of the Nigerian media appear to retain some this activism today. Consequently, it is on the bases of this residual activism that this paper attempts to explore the capacity of the Nigerian media to successfully lead a values reorientation effort in Nigeria.

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