This empirical study investigates the effectiveness of story-telling as a form of oral tradition in promoting awareness on safe sexual practices among adolescents in urban and rural areas in Etsako-west Local Government Area, Edo State. The study, a survey and experiment, used a sample of 200 students randomly picked, the questionnaire to obtain data, and simple percentages and chi-square (X²) to express data. Findings show that: (1) many adolescents are interested in story-telling; (2) those in the rural areas are more interested; and (3) adolescent who listen to traditional stories see story-telling as a dominant source of information about safe sexual practices as well as become highly aware of safe sexual practices. It is concluded that oral tradition is a vital tool of development communication. Recommendations are that: (a) oral tradition should be promoted in rural and urban areas, (b) oral tradition be included in reproductive health campaigns targeted at young people, (c) interest groups like the ruling class should not abuse this excellent tool of development, (d) mass media should integrate oral tradition in their operations, and (e) all socializing agencies should use oral tradition in socializing the young.

^JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 1, No. 2,  October  2009,  169 – 179

About the authors

*Jude Terna Kur, PhD, is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Anambra State University, Igbariam Campus, Nigeria.

**John Aigbovbioise Orhewere is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria.

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Article Citation

Kur, J. T. & Orhewere, J. A. (2009): Role of story-telling in awareness creation on safe sexual practices among adolescents in Etsako-West, Edo State, Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research 1(2): 169 – 179.