Mahfouz Adebola Adedimeji
@unilorin.edu.ng
Professor, Faculty of Arts
Professor
University of Ilorin
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Language and Linguistics
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Silas Oghenemaro Emovwodo, Mahfouz A. Adedimeji, Muhammad Saud, and Rachmah Ida
Journal of African Media Studies Intellect
In times of conflict or tragedy, radio is essential, especially in underdeveloped nations where the collapse of other communication infrastructure may make radio the sole dependable source of information. This study assessed the extent to which community radio has contributed to the peacebuilding efforts after the Ife–Modakeke conflict in Nigeria, by investigating to ascertain listeners’ perceptions and adoption of the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism in managing the conflict to avoid a violent escalation. The study applied in-depth interviews and collected data with questionnaires. The findings of the study suggested that the inhabitants of Ife and Modakeke listened intensely to and were aware of the conflict resolution programme on one of the popular radio stations, Orisun 89.5 FM. People also used and knew others, who used the radio programme ‘ADR mechanism’ on the radio to resolve the conflict and avoid violent escalation. Since it was the only peacebuilding programme, the study found that this radio programme was an effective peacebuilding tool in the Ife–Modakeke society. The study recommended that such a good effort should be broadcast more often for further heightened awareness of its diverse listeners.