INDIGENOUS MEDIA AND RISK COMMUNICATION OF CHEVRON, NIGERIA -IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Kehinde Oyesomi¹*, Osamudiame Iyamu², Olusola Oyero³, Lanre Amodu⁴

¹Dr. Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.   Kehinde.oyesomi@covnantuniversity.edu.ng

² Ms., Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.  osamuiyamu@gmail.com

³ Dr., Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. Olusola.oyero@covenantuniversity.edu.ng  Olusola.oyero@covenantuniveristy.edu.ng   

⁴ Dr., Department of Psychology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria, lanre.amodu@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

*Corresponding author

 

Abstract

Every organization both commercial and non-commercial should have a good and healthy relationship with her host community. In the case of oil companies, this is very crucial to their operations. This is why there is the need for proper risk communication methods to be put in place for the host community residents. Hence, there is need for effective channel of communication for risk communication. This research study focuses on utilizing indigenous media for risk communication by oil companies operating in Ugborodo and Ogidigben communities of Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. The study anchored on the medium theory. The study employed both in-depth interview and survey method to afford the researchers the perception of both the organization and the community residents on how risk communication through indigenous media is carried out in the communities. 385 questionnaires were distributed but 357 copies were used for analysis. An in-depth interview was conducted with the community relations manager at Chevron Warri. Interviews were also conducted with the community head of Ugborodo community and the woman leader of Ogidigben community. From the results obtained from both the questionnaires and the in-depth interview, the researchers found out that indigenous media are used by Chevron to communicate with residents of the communities on risk relation situations and this to a higher percentage has been effective. The findings from the survey indicate that the community residents are aware of Chevron’s risk communication efforts which they feel are received early enough, easily understood and prevent casualties associated with these risk situations. Recommendations were made among others that organizations especially those operating in rural communities must fully understand the communication system in operation in the host community. Some of these communities use only indigenous media while some use traditional media like radio and television alongside indigenous media.

Keywords: Indigenous media, risk communication, rural communities, oil companies