ABSTRACT
This study was undertaken to ascertain the Broadcast Campaigns And Child Abuse In Agege Local Government
Area using NTA Channel
10, this study was aim at analyzing the
extent of Child Abuse among Agege residents, to achieve a credible research
work, several instruments were employed, for example to ensure the validity of
this project the entire work was subjected to scrutiny by communication
experts who made valuable corrections. Also in order to achieved a good
outcome, a total of 390 questionnaires were administered to members of the
public and 383 were completed and returned constituting 98.2% of the total
copies distributed. Through this research it was establish that a large number
of Children in Agege still under goes Child Abuse ranching from neglect, physical abuse, psychological abuse and
sexual abuse. It was also ascertain that broadcast Media institutions need to
step up their Campaigns in creating awareness on Child Abuse to the People of Agege.
Based on the findings of this research, it is concluded that the
campaign on child abuse has a positive influence on how the people of Agege now
view children in their environment, and therefore the campaign on child abuse
has positive influence on child’s protection, child value therefore public awareness
remain and important part in our societal growth.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents Page
Title Page - - - - - - - - - i
Declaration - - - - - - - - - - ii
Certification - - - - - - - - - iii
Dedication - - - - - - - - - iv
Acknowledgements - - - - - - - - - v
Table of
Contents - - - - - - - - - vi
Abstract - - - - - - - - - vii
List of Tables - - - - - - - - - viii
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the study - - - - - - - - 1
1.1.1 Eket Local Government Area - - - - - 4
1.2 Statement of the Problem - - - - - - - 7
1.3 Objectives of the Study - - - - - - - - 8
1.4 Research Questions - - - - - - - - 9
1.5 Hypothesis - - - - - - - - - 9
1.6 Justification of the Study - - - - - - - 10
1.7 Delimitations of the Study - - - - - - 11
1.8 Limitations of the Study - - - - - - - - 11
1.9 Definition of Terms - - - - - - - - 12
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Review of Concepts /Opinions - - - - - - - 13
2.1.2 The Concept of Child Abuse - - - - - - - 15
2.1.3 Dimensions of Child Abuse- - - - - - - 17
2.1.4 Parental Income and the effect on the
Physical well-being of the Child 20
2.1.5 Consequences of Child Abuse - - - - - - - 24
2.1.6 Impact of Media Campaign on Child Abuse - - - - - 25
2.1.7 Broadcast Media and Attitude Change Toward Child Abuse - - 27
2.2 Review of Related Studies - - - - - - - 31
2.3 Theoretical Frameworks - - - - - - - - 33
2.3.1 Agenda Setting Theory - - - - - - - - 33
2.3.2 Social Responsibility Theory - - - - - - - 34
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design - - - - - - - - 36
3.2 Population of the Study - - - - - - - - 37
3.3 Sample Size - - - - - - - - -
37
3.4 Sampling Procedures - - - - - - - - 38
3.5 Description of Research Instruments - - - - - - 38
3.6 Validity of Research Instruments- - - - - - - 39
3.7 Method of Data Collection - - - - - - - 39
3.8 Method of Data Analysis - - - - - - - - 40
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.1 Data Presentation and Analysis - - - - - - - 41
4.2 Test of hypothesis - - - - - - - - 51
4.3 Discussion of Findings - - - - - - - - 52
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Summary of findings - - - - - - - - 56
5.2 Conclusion - - - - - - - - - - 58
5.3 Recommendations - - - - - - - - - 58
References
Appendix 1 (Questionnaire)
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
The Nigerian society and indeed African
societies in general highly values children. This is because of the intrinsic
and emotional satisfaction children offer their parents as well as the
instrumental role they play in lineage and kinship matters. Moreover, God sees
the need of sending children to parent for the purpose of multiplication, joy
and happiness in the home. The birth of a child is thus celebrated in the
society, in many circumstances, with joy, songs and dance Kisekka (2001)
asserts that in Nigeria, the first year
of a child’s life is certainly a centre of attention. He is often carried on
the back, curdled, bathed and talked to by an array of old relations. The
child, therefore, rarely eats plays as well as sleeps alone.
Okwara (2005) notes that a child is a
valuable gift from God and every ethnic group in Nigerian puts high value on
children. In spite of this, it is unfortunate that some children have been
exposed to abuse and neglect. Okolo (2008) reports that in several Nigerian
communities, children are rejected and sometimes sent to the streets to fend
for themselves and learn how to survive on their own. Bidemi and Adefuye (2007)
are of the view that it has always been their custom for children to help their
parents work.
Children of trader would assist their
parents to sell their goods; those of farmer would help them on the farm.
Today, the perception has changed drastically as adult supervision of the
children has reduced in several cases.
The child is now sent into the streets and
highways alone. Sometimes to the market to sell goods, he is battered,
under-nourished, poorly clothed and often abuse takes forms which include:
beating with the hand, beating with available instruments, kicking and knocking
on hard objects, strangling and suffocating, stabbing on slashing drowning,
burning, poisoning, deliberate neglect, exposure, hawking, lock in, starvation
and education deprivation. All these practices expose the child to injuries and
emotional tensions that do not allow for their effective growth and
development.
Fontona (2010) states that in America
alone, between 50,000 and 70,000 incidents of child abuse and neglect occur
yearly. De Francis (2009) also reports that in London. 10,000 children are
severally battered, 5,000 to 7,500 sexually abused, 1,000 neglected every year.
Gesinde (2007) notes that accurate statistics on child abuse in Nigeria are
currently unavailable. However, its existence has been reported by Ifeyinwa
(2002), Dunapo (2000) and Bukoye (2000). Thus, in Nigeria, the prevalence
of child abuse appears higher than it does in the United States of America.
Britain is reported by Wisdom (2007) as having the lowest figures of child
abuse and neglect among the first world
nations.
Child abuse is defined in various ways by
various people. The royal college of Psychiatrists (2004) asserts that child
abuse is a term when an adult harms a child or young person under the age of
18. Wisdom (2007) defines it as the physical, psychological or sexual
maltreatment to a child’s physical, moral or mental well-being. It also means
physical abuses, sexual abuse and neglect which may result in bruises, broken
bones, permanent physical of developmental impairment, and emotional trauma or
death. The African network for the prevention and projection against child abuse
and neglect (ANPPCAN) (2009) defines abuse as the unintended as well as
intended acts and to danger the physical, emotional, moral and educational
welfare of the child. Chalk, Gibbons and Scarnpa (2002) are of view that when
child abuse occurs with child neglects, they are collectively called child
maltreatment.
The media, particularly the broadcast
media, have been part of the campaign against child abuse. If that is so, it is
probable that the electronic media in the state have also been part of the
campaign and would probably have some kinds of influence on the audience especially
the people of Agege. It is on this note that the study out to ascertain the
influence of the broadcast media on the campaign against child abuse in Agege
Local Government Area of Lagos State.
1.1 The History of Agege Local Government Area
Agege is one of the oldest and most historically significant local
government areas in Lagos State, Nigeria. Its history is deeply rooted in the
socio-economic and cultural development of Lagos.
The name “Agege” is believed to have originated from the Yoruba word
“Aje Gbe”, meaning “wealth dwells here,” which refers to the area's
prosperity from farming and trade. Historically, Agege was a rural settlement
occupied primarily by the Awori people, a sub-group of the Yoruba ethnic group.
The Awori people engaged in farming, fishing, and trading, benefiting from the
fertile land and strategic location.
During the colonial era, Agege gained prominence due to its rich
agricultural activities, particularly in cocoa and kola nut production. The
expansion of the Lagos-Ibadan railway line in the early 20th century further
boosted the area's economy by facilitating the transportation of farm produce
to Lagos and beyond. This attracted migrants from different parts of Nigeria,
including the Egba and Hausa communities, who played significant roles in trade
and commerce.
The establishment of the Agege Central Mosque and other religious
institutions reflected the growing population and cultural diversity of the
area. The railway development also contributed to the rise of Agege as a
commercial hub, as traders and artisans settled in the town to take advantage
of economic opportunities.
After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Agege continued to expand
due to urbanization and migration from rural areas. The construction of modern
roads, markets, and housing estates made Agege a major residential and
commercial area. The popular Agege Main Market and Abattoir (Oko-Oba) became
key centers of economic activity.
In 1980, Agege was officially designated as a local government area
(LGA), separating it from the former Ikeja Local Government. This
administrative change allowed for more focused governance and infrastructure
development, leading to the construction of schools, hospitals, and public
facilities.
Today, Agege is one of the most densely populated areas in Lagos
State. It is known for its vibrant street markets, transport hubs, and
educational institutions, including the Lagos State University College of
Medicine (LASUCOM). The famous “Agege Bread,” a soft and fluffy loaf, has
become a cultural symbol beyond Lagos.
Despite challenges such as congestion and infrastructure deficits,
Agege remains a significant part of Lagos’ socio-economic landscape. The local
government continues to invest in road networks, sanitation, and youth
empowerment programs to improve the quality of life for residents.
From its origins as a rural settlement to its growth into a bustling
urban center, Agege has played a crucial role in the history and development of
Lagos State. Its strategic location, rich agricultural past, and economic
dynamism make it a key part of Nigeria’s commercial and cultural history.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
On a daily basis, children are seen
hawking various kinds of wares along busy streets. At times they do so or when
it is drizzling some of the children are sent out to the streets, motor parks
or market with heavy loads immediately after school to hawk. Sometime they are
instructed not to return home until whatever they have to sell is exhausted.
This they do even late in the evening every day, before they will be retired
homes obviously tried and worn out. Parents and guardians are known to beat up
their children, at times so severely as to cause bodily harm and injuries.
All this happens in spite of the campaign
in the broadcast media against child abuse. Is it that the people of Agege are
not exposed to these media campaigns in a way that could influence the people?
This has given rise to this study in order to ascertain the influence of the
broadcast media on the campaign against child abuse in Agege Local Government
Area.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
This
study hopes to achieve the following objectives:
1. Assess
the level of exposure of residents of Agege to broadcast media campaign against
child abuse in Agege Local Government Area:
2. Ascertain
the attitude of the people of Agege towards the campaign against child abuse in
Agege Local Government Area:
3. Find
out if the broadcast media campaign against child abuse has any influence on
the people of Agege Local Government Area:
4. Determine
the nature of the influence of the broadcast media campaign against child abuse
on the people of Agege Local Government Area:
1.4 Research Questions
The study has the following research
questions:
1. What
is the level of exposure of the people of Agege Local Government Area to the
broadcast media campaign against child abuse?
2. What
are the attitudes of the people of Agege Local Government Area towards the
broadcast media campaign against child abuse?
3. Does
broadcast media campaign against child abuse have any influence on the people
of Agege Local Government Area?
4. What
is the nature of influence of the
broadcast media campaign against child abuse on the people of Agege Local
Government Area?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Hi Broadcast
Campaign as no effect on Child Abuse in Agege Local Government Area.
Ho Broadcast
Campaign as a positive effect on Child Abuse in Agege Local Government Area.
Hi The
degree of Broadcast Campaign on Child Abuse does not determined a positive outcome.
Ho The
degree of Broadcast Campaign on Child Abuse is determine factor for positive
result.
1.6 Justification of the Study
Findings of this study will be beneficial
in the following ways should the findings show that people have little or no
exposure; the authorities can intensify the campaign, diversifying their
strategies to get to their target.
Findings should find out if their messages
get to the right persons, if so they can sustain; if not do a self-assessing
and re-strategies. From the findings, media should determine if the audience
understand their message or not and therefore take appropriate action.
Findings should add to the body of
knowledge on the subject and serves as reference to the future researchers on
the subject.
Since Agege is about the same as other
Local government Areas in Lagos State and Nigeria, the findings could be
generalized for other Local Government Areas in the country.
1.7 Delimitations of the Study
This study is restricted to an
investigation of the influence of broadcast media campaign against child abuse
in Agege Local Government Area. Hence, it does not involve any other issues
except child abuse. One broadcast media was used, which is Nigerian Television
Authority (NTA). The audience for this study are parents and care givers in Agege
Local Government Area.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
Like all human endeavours, the process of
carrying out this study was not smooth sailing. It had its limitation. One
constraint that dragged out the work was respondent’s resentment to answering
questions. This limitation did not necessarily restrict the finding of this
study as concerted effort was made to persuade them that it was simply for the
purpose of academics.
Another limitation was the failure of some
respondents to complete and return the questionnaire for this work. However,
the copies of the questionnaire not returned were few and therefore
insignificant to affect the generalization of the results of this study.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Child:
Child means a person under the age of sixteen years (Section 277 of the Lagos
State Child Right law, 2008).
Child
Abuse: Child abuse means harming a child in a
physical, sexual or emotional, psychologically and neglect.
Broadcast
Campaign: The message/action transmitted by media
houses in Lagos State.
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