Communication as a tool for national development: A media studies perspective

Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages through verbal or non-verbal means; it includes speech, oral communication, writing and graphical representation (such as infographics, maps and charts), signs, signals and behavior. It is said to be the “creation and exchanging of meaning, playing an integral part in human evolution” (Richard, 2019). The constant proliferation of media communication system has brought about distinct decision-making amongst citizens in Nigeria. Using different broadcasting stations as primary data, this paper critically explores how some media outlets in Nigeria have been using communication as a tool for development. On this note, this paper aims to explore the effect of media communication systems in Nigeria in a bid to increasing capacity building and rural/national development in the country. In this research, the role of the Nigeria Press right from the time of pre-independence and post-independence eras in relentless and rigorous struggle to facilitate the growth and development of Nigeria would be explored as a case study. This paper therefore concludes that media outlets are playing an important role in Promoting C4D through Communication as a tool for development.