ROLE OF RADIO IN MOBILIZING NIGERIA WOMEN INTO POLITICS (A STUDY OF FRESH 105.9 FM IBADAN)

Based on the research conducted, it can be concluded that radio, particularly Fresh 105.9 FM in Ibadan, plays a significant role in mobilizing Nigerian women into politics. The study found that radio programs, including political discussions, women-focused programs, and political advertisements, have the potential to inspire and engage women in political activities. By disseminating information, raising awareness about women's issues, and challenging societal barriers, radio can contribute to increasing women's political participation. Women's Participation in Nigerian politics is an issue of great importance. Women have been put at the background politically for years; this has engendered a consciousness of women under- representation in public life. Some of the problems responsible for this situation are entrenched in the fears most women have, some of which borders on insecurity, lack of finances, inadequate political support and many more. This study showed that the intent of the Beijing Conference of 1995 which was to ensure that women have equal opportunities with men has to an extent been reached. There is positive indication from this study that radio political programmes have indeed been effective in mobilizing women for political participation in Nigeria. There is still more to be done in mobilizing women to participate in politics, emphasizing that no sex or gender is more important than the other because in politics, intellectual ability counts more than physical energy. The Nigerian media can adopt this and help in realizing these nationally necessary objectives in their performance towards political periods to come.