Disseminating traditional information through digital process in rural communities of Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

The provision of traditional information to a wide range of communities with different classes of leadership and a mixed multitude is a major challenge to Omoku communities. The research is aimed at disseminating traditional information via digital means in Omoku communities in Onelga. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with a sample size of 500 (250 males and 250 females) from 27 communities in Omoku town. The study was guided by three research questions and three null hypotheses which were tested at 0.05 α-level of significance. A questionnaire of 15 items was used to collect data, while Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient value of 0.84 was estimated for the instrument. The research questions were determined by mean and standard deviation, and the hypothesis was tested by z-test and linear regression statistics. Hypotheses one and three were tested with z-test, whereas hypothesis two was tested with linear regression. The findings reveal that town criers, as a means of disseminating traditional information in Omoku communities, are slow and capable of inciting violence. The findings also reveal that Omoku indigenes were familiar with digital technology and were interested in the digital dissemination of traditional information. However, the indigenes of Omoku communities lament the issues of poor network coverage, irregular power supply and non-availability of funds to procure smart phones and also subscribe to the network. The study therefore recommends the provision of network mast, fund and orientation programmes for the 12 communities in Omoku, among others.