Population Media Center (PMC) has undertaken significant work in Nigeria, focusing on social and behavior change communication. They have developed serialized radio dramas aimed at addressing critical social issues, including reproductive health, family planning, and gender equality. These programs are designed to engage and educate audiences across Nigeria, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities. By leveraging the power of storytelling, PMC has contributed to positive shifts in attitudes and behaviors, promoting healthier and more equitable societies in Nigeria.
Sandy Jonah : Program Manager
sjoseph@populationmedia.org
Natalia Ceresar: Vice President of International Programs
ncereser@populationmedia.org
Since 2006, Population Media Center (PMC) has been active in Nigeria, a country experiencing rapid population growth, projected to double within 29 years if left unchecked.
PMC’s radio programs, notably Jolokoto (“Mirror of Life”) and Ruwan Dare (“Midnight Rain”), have garnered immense popularity, fostering discussions on crucial health and human rights issues among a dedicated weekly audience. Listeners of Jolokoto have been guided towards resources for contraceptives, engaging in more dialogues on safe sex, and accessing counseling and health clinic services at unprecedented rates, marking significant strides in reproductive healthcare with lasting implications for Nigeria’s demographic trajectory. Notably, in April 2020, Jolokoto was recognized as a finalist in Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas awards for its impactful contribution to media and entertainment. Over 15 years, PMC’s initiatives have produced transformative radio dramas such as Jangala (“Song of Life”), A Dade Ana Yi (“Truth Always Prevails”), Tafigawalo (“Working Towards Change”), and Hannunka Mai Sanda (“Power In Your Hands”), driving community-driven change towards a more sustainable and equitable society in Nigeria.
“We’re breaking barriers – traditional, religious and social.”
Ephraim Okon PMC-Nigeria Country Director
Jolokoto (“The Mirror of Life”) combined behavior change theory with relatable, character-driven storylines to reach hundreds of thousands of listeners in Nigeria, connecting audiences to existing sexual and reproductive health services.
Ruwan Dare (“Midnight Rain”), a 208-episode radio show produced by Population Media Center, aired from July 31, 2007, through July 18, 2009, in Hausa—the most widely spoken and understood language in northern Nigeria.
Jangala (“Song of Life”), a 104-episode radio drama produced by Population Media Center, aired from October 2016 through October 2017 in southern Nigeria in Pidgin English.
Tafigawalo(“Working Towards Change”), a 78-episode radio show, originally aired from 2013 to 2014 in southern Nigeria in Pidgin, the most widely spoken language in that region.
Hannunka Mai Sanda (“Power in Your Hands”), a 78-episode radio drama produced by Population Media Center, aired from November 2013 through July 2014 in northern Nigeria in Hausa, the region’s most widely spoken language.
PMC produced A Dade Ana Y (“Truth Always Prevails”), a 104-episode Hausa-language radio drama, reached listeners throughout 17 states in northern Nigeria.
Gugar Goge, a 70-episode radio drama produced by Population Media Center, aired from June 2006 through February 2007 in northern Nigeria.
Mace Ta Giri (“A Virtuous Woman”), a social and behavior change communication (SBCC) radio program produced by Population Media Center, aired in Kaduna and Katsina States, Nigeria.
