Abstract

This work was done to final out the assessment of the mass media’s role in the campaign against drug abuse, because drug abuse has become a serious problem we are facing both in Nigeria and in other parts of the world. The objectives of this research is to find out if drug abuse has increased crime rate in Nigeria, to find out if the mass media is performing their functions effectively, its assessment in the campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria and what impression people have about drug abuse in Nigeria. A critical review of related literature was made. The methodology used the research design, sample, the method of data collection and analysis is found in chapter three. Chapter four is devoted to the analysis of data collected and results of the research. Tables were used in the results. Chapter five contains the summary of the study and the recommendations for further study.

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTON

There is no limit to the study of media and society. Media and society as a subject covers a wide range of issues. Communication has a lot to do with the individual.  It effects and defects are so notable that they cannot be swept under the carpet. Media and society are interwoven and neither of them can exist without the other. But first of all, what is communication?  Fiske (1990) defines communication as “social interaction through message” Jaya- weera (1991) sees it as an interaction process through which persons or groups relate to each other and share information, experience and culture.  Looking at the above definitions communication can be said to be the transferring or transmitting of ideas, attitudes and information from one person to another. Okunna (1999) throws more light on the above assertion when she says “to communicate basically means to share ideas information, opinions, feelings or experiences between people? According to Okunna (1999) the mass media perform a number of functions, which benefit the individual as a member of a society. She   goes on to say that these functions range from serious informational and educational functions   to lighter functions like entertainment.  The functions of the mass media in the society include.

1. Information:-This is the constant stream of information about event in the society. Among the positive consequence of this function is the guidance it gives to the individuals in his or her daily life.

Interpretation:-This is the function of appropriately interpreting news and information in such as way as to avoid over sensitization and induce appropriate or necessary action. It includes prescribing what to do, how to do it and why it is necessary.

1. Education:- The mass media   help unify  society and increases  social cohesion by upholding  teaching a broad base of  common  social norms  values  and collective experiences. The mass media do this transmission mainly through informal education (unconscious learning) and non- formal education (conscious attempt to impart knowledge outside the formal school system).
2. Entertainment:-This is the mass media function that is geared towardsproviding some diversion and amusement, relaxation and respite. The mass media is known as the watch dog of the society and with the information and education function, it will be known if the mass media has played roles in the campaign against   drug abuse in Nigeria. This is because like the dry rot that eats away the wooden beams of a house, drugs can corrode the whole structure of society. For human society to function properly, it must have stable families, healthy workers, and trustworthy governments, honest polices and law abiding citizens. Drugs corrupt every one of these fundamental elements. The home however is probably where drugs do the most damage. Parents who are distracted by their craving for drugs rarely provide their children with a stable home life. Many children who grow up in this environment take to the streets or even get involved in drugs themselves.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Drug abuse has become rampant in our society and this has posed a problem because a society filled with   filled with drug addicts and drug dependents cannot move forward. A nation filled with people who misuse, abuse or are addicted to drugs will have a high rate of increase in crime, prostitution etc. it also makes way for drug traffic kicking in the society. It constitutes a major public health hazard and is a part of general and social disorganization we see around us that is, breeds comatose patients, and various melody cases that constitute the urban eye ore that dent the image of a nation. It contributes significantly to breakdown of law and order and establishment of various circles of abuses, deficiency, criminality and further abuse. Drug abuse has also led to the diversion of scarce resources to cure addicts, and to rehabilitate them, building of psychiatric hospitals, breakdown of societal norms and values, leading to up heavily, anarchy and other vices in the society, posing more problem than to be solved. Such problems call for in-depth research to help salvage the situation   to avoid the setback it created for our society and this has to be done with the help of the mass media in order to inform and educate the people on what those effects of drug abuse can cause to the society, and to the people involved

 1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

In the research statement, I highlighted some of the problems which called for the research. The objectives of this study thus include:

1. To find out if drug abuse has increased crime rate in Nigeria.
2. To investigate how far the mass media has gone in informing and educating the society about serious issues in Nigeria.
3. To evaluate its assessment in the role it has played in the campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria.
4. To find out the impressions people have about drug abuse in Nigeria.

1.4 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

H0: drug abuse has increased crime rate in Nigeria.

H1: drug abuse has decrease crime rate in Nigeria.

H02: there is no role mass media has played in the campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria

H2: there is role mass media has played in the campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this study cannot be over-emphasized. Drug abuse has been in the media   for a very long time and much has been written and government is worried about it. Large amount of money are expended to rehabilitate victims of drug abuse. This research is done in order to alert the society about drug abuse and the impact it has to the society. And also to engage the media to be faithful allies to reap the society off this problem. This is because a country with healthy citizens will have a good work force which in turn boosts the economy of that country. This study will also show the people the work and part the mass media is playing to combat this problem.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers assessment of mass media role in the campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

1. a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
2. b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
3. c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

ASSESSMENT: The action of assessing someone or something.

MASS MEDIA: The mass media is a diversified collection of media technologies that reach a large audience via mass communication. The technologies through which this communication takes place include a variety of outlets.

CAMPAIGN: Campaign is a global business magazine covering advertising, media, marketing and commercial creativity.

DRUG ABUSE:  Is an important question for any loved one of a person with a possible substance use problem. Drug abuse information clearly states drug abuse is an extreme desire to obtain, and use, increasing amounts of one or more substances.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study