Ben Odeba | Bingham University, Karu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ben Odeba

International Journal of African Language and Media Studies, 2022

This study assessed the influence of citizen journalism on the gatekeeping role of the Nigeria Te... more This study assessed the influence of citizen journalism on the gatekeeping role of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Channel 10, Abuja, and Guardian Newspaper. The aim is to determine the influence citizen journalism has on the gatekeeping role of the mainstream or traditional media. The study employed a qualitative research method with the interview as the instrument for eliciting data from the respondents. The study is anchored on the Gatekeeping Theory of the Media. The major findings of the study showed that the emergence of citizen journalism has broken down the gates of conventional media. Therefore, traditional media no longer hold the monopoly of deciding what information is released to society. The main tools of citizen journalism include smartphones, digital cameras, and the Internet which enable them to source for and disseminate any information of their choice directly to society. Further findings revealed that despite the challenges that citizen journalism poses to the gatekeeping functions of the conventional media, the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Channel 10 and Guardian Newspaper still maintain their relevance as they remain the authentic sources for verifying information disseminated by citizen journalists, among others. Based on the findings, the study concludes that with the emergence of citizen journalism the mainstream media are no longer the sole gatekeepers or purveyors of information in society. The study recommends, among others, that citizen journalists should undergo training in the basic skills and ethics of the journalism profession.

Handbook of Research on Effective Advertising Strategies in the Social Media Age

In order to create and sustain a cordial relationship with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Communit... more In order to create and sustain a cordial relationship with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Community, MTN introduced a project called "MTN Library Connect" in the University. This paper, "The Role of Public Relations in Creating Cordial Relationship with the Relevant Publics: A Study of A.B.U./MTN Library Connect", examined the use of MTN Foundation Connect Library in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether or not MTN achieved a cordial relationship with Ahmadu Bello University Community which is one of the beneficiaries of the Project. Survey research design was adopted for the study with questionnaire as the instrument to elicit data from 120 respondents in twelve (12) Faculties of the University, comprising 100 from the Main campus, and 20 from Kongo campus. Findings reveal that, majority of the students appreciate the services rendered by the A.B.U./MTN Library Connect. Further findings indicate that the MTN Library Connect is effective as it helps the telecom company to carry out its corporate social responsibility by creating and maintaining cordial relationship as well as providing students with the necessary facilities which enable them to carry out their research. Findings also indicate that training of users on how to use the facility has been a major challenge. The study therefore recommends among others that the MTN Management should intensify efforts in creating more awareness about training students and extension of space to accommodate more students, provision of more systems and servers to cater for the ever-increasing number of students in the University.

International Journal of Arts, Languages and Business Studies, Aug 9, 2021

The use of modern information and communication technologies to disseminate information has been ... more The use of modern information and communication technologies to disseminate information has been trending long before the outbreak of global Covid-19 pandemic. Since the outbreak of this highly infectious virus and its high mortality rate, new media has been used to inform and educate Nigerians about the danger COVID-19 poses to human existence. This study analytically reviews the efficacy of new media in creating awareness about the outbreak and spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the various measures put in place to inform Nigerians on how to curtail its spread in Nigeria. The method used for the study is an analytical review of the use of social media for creating awareness about the outbreak and spread of coronavirus in Nigeria. The review confirms that inspite of its misuse, social media has been extensively used to inform the populace about the outbreak, spread and prevention of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. The study therefore concludes that social or new media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, and others were mostly used for creating awareness among Nigerians about the outbreak, spread and preventive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. The study concludes that social media misuse is a policy issue and therefore, the Federal Government of Nigeria should formulate policy to check social media misuse, misinformation and fake news in Nigeria.

GLOBAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED, MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, 2019

The paper explores the forms and means of communication used to enhance national unity and observ... more The paper explores the forms and means of communication used to enhance national unity and observes that though a lot of efforts have been made in the use of communication for national unity, it seems the desired result is far from been achieved. Adopting Yale’s Persuasion Theory and Cognitive Dissonance Theory of Behaviour and Attitude Change Communication, the paper argues that in spite of humongous efforts being made by individuals, groups, governmental and non-governmental organizations, media organizations, Festivals of Art and Culture and Carnivals, much more is still desired in terms of genuine national unity in Nigeria. Lack of attitude and behaviour change have been identified as some of the factors militating against national unity. Boko Haram insurgency, communal crisis and conflict, killer herdsmen, disregard for moral and human values such as respect for elders as well as respect for one another, love, honesty and sanctity of human life also account for disunity. The pa...

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2022

Aerial Newsgathering or Drone Journalism is the use of drones for newsgathering and reporting wit... more Aerial Newsgathering or Drone Journalism is the use of drones for newsgathering and reporting with the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) in covering conflict, civil unrest and disaster. Anchored on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, this paper, "The Use of Technology in Newsgathering" analytically reviewed the concept of aerial newsgathering or drone journalism, otherwise called UAVs. The review shows that "drone" which was originally created for military operations has now been adopted for civilian use such as journalism especially in potentially hostile environments in order to minimizeor prevent loss of human journalists on the line of duty and other dangers of using human journalists in dangeroussettings. The reviewfurther indicates that "Drone Journalism" is one of the recent technologies adopted in journalism practicewhich helps to reduce or minimize the killing of human journalists who areexposed to dangers in their line of duty especially during wars and other potentially risky incidences of man-made and natural disasters such as floods, wild fires, storms, earthquakes, and civil unrest. The review also shows that while "drone technology" is an amazing innovation in both militaryand media organizations, journalism practitioners should be mindful of operational guidelines such as ethics, sovereignty issues, privacy and safety.

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2022

More than ever before, NOW is the right time for digital communication and transnational learning... more More than ever before, NOW is the right time for digital communication and transnational learning to be embraced by all. This paper analytically reviewed the use of digital communication and transnational learning in the 21 st Century for transformative, evolving and mutually beneficial digital relations among institutions of higher learning. The study is anchored on the media richness Theory of computer mediated communication (CMC). Major findings show that although the use of digital communication for transnational learning is challenging, its benefits are enormous which include among others being smarter, faster and cheaper means of organizing a "globalized classroom" for educational development. The intending institutions should do the needful by way of deliberate efforts in putting all the modalities in place for its success. They should also include flexibility, initiative, social skills, productivity and leadership skills. The qualities of leading a positive adventurous life, resilience, creative problem-solving possessing unbridled freedom, tenacity of purpose, following one's natural curiosity and proclivity should be the hallmarks of the 21 st century teaching and digital media communication. It has been observed that many teachers in the 21 st century education are quite slow in updating themselves with the latest technologies and techniques of communication and teaching while some others do not see the need to undergo training in the use of technology for 21 st century communication, teaching and learning particularly for a trinational learning. Some universities, especially in Africa vis-à-vis Nigeria are doing little or nothing to key into this exciting and rewarding form of communication and learning in the globalized society. Every university that intends to embark on digital communication and transnational learning should have a differentiator, value-added proposition or flagship point and work assiduously to improve and sustain it.

GLOBAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED, MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, 2019

International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Review, 2020

Newspaper is one of the most popular and reliable media of information among students. Newspaper ... more Newspaper is one of the most popular and reliable media of information among students. Newspaper reading is an intellectual activity for students of all ages as it enhances knowledge and information of the readers. This study investigates the determinants of newspaper readership among Olabisi Onabanjo University students; the frequency of their readership, the type of stories they mostly read and how they obtain the newspapers they read. The study uses quantitative research technique. It adopts a sample size of 387 students, drawn from three Faculties in the University; Social and Management Sciences, Arts and Law using the Taro Yamane formula for determining sample size. The study is anchored on the Uses and Gratification theory and media dependency theory. The paper employs the simple percentage method and frequency tables as analytical tools. Findings show that newspapers are important sources of information for Olabisi Onabanjo University students. Findings further reveal that...

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science

The purpose of this analytical review is to discover that the field of public relations is much m... more The purpose of this analytical review is to discover that the field of public relations is much more sophisticated now than it used to be due to both internal and external changes. Anchored on the Relational Dialectics Theory and RACE Model of Public Relations, this study reviewed the concepts of corporate relations and employee relations as well as the relationship which exists between them. The study adopts descriptive research design. The review shows that no organization exists in isolation; there is need to relate with the various publics particularly the employees and that corporate communication is a vital tool for creating and sustaining corporate and employee relations. The review further indicates that the connection between corporate relations and employee relations is both complex and essential. The review validates the view that there can be no lasting good corporate image or corporate communication and relationships with external publics without a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the employees (internal publics). The review clearly shows that happy employees are productive employees and that successful businesses or organizations are the ones which know how to manage relationships with their employees in order to build lasting employee satisfaction, productivity and a vibrant corporate reputation.

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) Volume V, Issue VII , 2021

Following the lockdown in Nigeria as a result of COVID-19 pandemic which affected academic activi... more Following the lockdown in Nigeria as a result of COVID-19 pandemic which affected academic activities, Bingham University in order to run an unbroken academic calendar adopted digital technology to deliver lectures to its students. This research assessed the use of digital media communication technology for delivering lectures by Bingham University during the Covid-19 lockdown. Survey research design was used for the study with documentary, questionnaire and interview as the instruments to elicit information from the respondents. Anchored on the Social Presence Theory, Media Richness Theory and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the study validates the assumptions of the aforementioned three theories of computer mediated communication (CMC) that digital media technology creates a considerable high level of social presence in a communication encounter, interactivity and the capability of the digital media to cater for every communication need in the 21 st century. Further findings show that the use of online lectures was effective and it enabled Bingham University to complete its academic calendar for 2019/2020 academic session notwithstanding the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria. Findings further indicate that both staff and students demonstrated positive attitude towards the use of online lectures by the University. The result of the study also established that both staff and students encountered many challenges such as insufficient proficiency and experience in the use of digital technology for teaching and learning, cost of data, poor internet connectivity and poor power supply among others. Based on the findings, it is recommended that both staff and students undergo further training to improve their skills in the use of digital media technology, provision of adequate power supply, internet facilities and a general enabling environment for virtual teaching and learning to thrive.

International Journal of Arts, Languages and Business Studies (IJALBS) Vol. 7, 2021

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science

Conference Presentations by Ben Odeba

IAA Journal of Communication 5(1), 2019

This paper aims to examine the connection between employer and employee relationship and to highl... more This paper aims to examine the connection between employer and employee relationship and to highlight the benefits of positive employer-employee relations in Bingham University. Anchored on the Relational Dialectics Theory of Public Relations and adopting the survey research design, the study finds out that no institution of learning can exist without a cordial relationship with its employees and that communication is a vital tool for creating and sustaining employer-employee relations. Findings also reveal that the relationship between employers and employees is both complex and essential. The paper further discovered that there is a significant relationship between employer-employee relations and job performance of Bingham University employees; while a poorly managed employer-employee relations negatively affects job performance of employees; a wellmanaged employer-employee relationship positively enhances the job performance of employees. The research also discovered that there can be no lasting good corporate image or corporate communication and relations with external public without a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with employees. The study further found that happy employees are satisfied and productive leading to job satisfaction and performance. The study concluded and recommended that no university can run effectively without people and that employees do not work in a vacuum; they need to communicate and work with others to achieve organizational goals or objectives. Need to create and sustain a positive relationship with both the internal publics in order to keep the institution running profitably, avoid image problems and ensure that employees perform at their best.