Investigating the Role of Mass Media For Promoting Environmental Sustainability Awareness among Nigerian Citizens

Abstract

In this our contemporary time, environmental problems such as flooding, climate change, global warming, waste managements and others are fast increasing as a result of increasing in population, modernization and industrialization. Therefore, the need to protect, conserve and preserve the environment cannot be over emphasized or underestimated. Hence, this study examines the role of mass media for promoting environmental sustainability awareness among Nigerian citizens. The study adopted descriptive research design to obtain first-hand information from the studied population. The target population for this study were the citizens from Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 50 respondents representing both genders from the two dominant religions Christianity and Islam among the population. The instrument used was a researcher developed questionnaire while the hypotheses were tested using X² statistical tool. Findings revealed that there was significant influence of mass media on the environmental awareness of Sagamu Local Government citizens. Since X² cal is greater than (X ² tab =10.34>7.81). Findings also revealed significant influence of the mass media on the environmental awareness of Christian and Muslims in Sagamu Local Government Area X² cal. 12.8>7.81 X² cal.9.68>7.81. Findings further revealed significant influence of mass media on environmental awareness of male and female indigenes of Sagamu Local Government Cal. 38.18> 7.81, Cal.12.74>7.81. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the power sector of Nigeria should be improved upon so that the mass media can be effective in creating environmental awareness among the citizens. There should be adequate training for the media workers on acquiring skills and strategies to disseminate information and create awareness on environmental sustainability.