Effectiveness of COVID-19 Risk Communication Messages in Indigenous Languages and the Promotion of Safe Practices in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This chapter examined the effectiveness of COVID-19 risk communication messages in indigenous languages vis-à-vis the promotion of safe practices in Ondo, Nigeria. The survey research design was used, and a questionnaire was randomly administered to 384 respondents in Akure, Ondo State. Findings showed that most of the respondents were exposed to COVID-19 risk communication messages and got their first information about it from social media. Furthermore, the study found that respondents were not receptive to COVID-19 messages passed across in indigenous languages. They prefer COVID-19 messages to pass across in the English language. The study recommended that there is a need to ensure that risk communication messages aired in indigenous languages are demystified in a way that the audience can easily understand and act upon. The use of indigenous languages should continue to be used and encouraged, especially for risk communication interventions such as COVID-19. This will go a long way in ensuring that the audience accepts it.