THE ROLE OF RADIO IN THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HUMAN TRACFFICKING IN NIGERIA (A STUDY OF ENUGU METROPOLIS)

ABSTRACT This research assesses how radio can help fight human trafficking in Enugu City, Nigeria. The primary goals involved ascertaining if Enugu Metropolis residents are exposed to radio programs discussing human trafficking, evaluating their comprehension of various types of human trafficking, and understanding the societal effects of trafficking. In order to reach these goals, three research inquiries and two hypotheses were developed. The study utilized the Media Dependency Theory as its theoretical framework. Enugu Metropolis had a population of 772,664 people, with 400 chosen via simple random sampling. Data was gathered by distributing a survey containing closed-ended questions to obtain feedback. Percentage charts were used for the analysis of the research questions, with the chi- square method being employed to test the hypotheses. The findings indicated that residents of Enugu Metropolis possess knowledge about human trafficking radio programs, understand different types of trafficking, and are informed about the impact of trafficking in Nigeria. Based on the results, the study suggested harsh penalties like the death penalty for those involved in trafficking people. Furthermore, it was recommended that the Ministry of Gender Affairs provide thorough training to unveil traffickers' tactics, raise community awareness, and enhance media campaigns to educate the public on various forms of human trafficking.