AN ASSESSMENT OF NPTA’S TFD INTERVENTIONS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE IN EREMA AND OTUASEGA COMMUNITIES OF NIGER DELTA REGION IN NIGERIA

AN ASSESSMENT OF NPTA’S TFD INTERVENTIONS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE IN EREMA AND OTUASEGA COMMUNITIES OF NIGER DELTA REGION IN NIGERIA

Abstract:

This study examines the role of Theatre for Development (TFD) interventions for social change in selected communities in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. It is aimed at expounding on the effects which TFD, as an alternative and community-oriented communication approach, offers in addressing social challenges within local communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This was done by assessing the TFD interventions undertaken by Nigeria Popular Theatre Alliance (NPTA) in selected Niger Delta Communities of Erema, Rivers State and Otuasega, Bayelsa State. The Culture-Centered Theory by Mohan Dutta and the Theory of Dialogical Pedagogy by Paulo Friere were used as the theoretical framework to underpin this study. Qualitative approach was adopted to obtain data from community members who participated in the TFD intervention; and as such instruments such as Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KII), Observation and Desk Review were employed to obtain data for the study. The data obtained provided the basis for an in-depth analysis. The analysis of data was in line with the set aim and objectives of the study. Findings from the discussion of data revealed that TFD as a communication strategy is viable in eliciting community participation towards social change and development in the Niger Delta Communities. However, the study also identified some challenges which need to be properly addressed in order to actualize greater and more sustainable outcomes for future TFD interventions in the Niger Delta communities and beyond. Hence, recommendations on the basis of the findings which the study brought out were proffered at the end of the study. Firstly, the study among others, recommends that more efforts should be put in place to enhance platforms and approaches that community members can explore in the Niger Delta region to become greater key players in addressing the social challenges that plague their communities. Secondly, it also recommends that all necessary factors that will enhance effective monitoring and execution of Community Action Plan (CAP) must be put in place to ensure effective TFD interventions for social change in communities. Finally, the study emphasized the need to explore TFD alongside other communication media, as this will bring about a more effective and sustainable impact in the attainment of social change and development in the Niger Delta region.

AN ASSESSMENT OF NPTA’S TFD INTERVENTIONS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE IN EREMA AND OTUASEGA COMMUNITIES OF NIGER DELTA REGION IN NIGERIA